Pre-Anesthesia Instructions

Before Receiving Anesthesia

Here are some important steps to help you prepare safely for your upcoming procedure with anesthesia:

• Fasting Guidelines: It’s important not to eat or drink anything, including water, for at least six hours before your scheduled surgery unless your surgeon gives you different instructions. This helps prevent complications during anesthesia.
• Medications: Let us know about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you take. Some medicines may need to be paused or changed before surgery—please follow any specific instructions your surgeon provides. If you’re directed to take your regular medicines, use only a small sip of water.
• Personal Preparation: Avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least 24 hours before your procedure, as these can affect anesthesia. Remove all makeup, nail polish, jewelry, and contact lenses before arriving. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and brush your teeth as you normally would, though avoid swallowing any water.
• Support: Plan for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure. This is vital to your safety as the effects of anesthesia can last for several hours.

If you have any questions about your preparation, please reach out to our team. We are happy to walk you through the details.

Scheduling and Your Appointment

For your safety and comfort, it’s important to keep your scheduled surgery appointment and arrive 15–30 minutes early. This extra time allows us to complete important preparations and answer any last-minute questions about your anesthesia care. If anything changes or you need to reschedule, please reach out to our office as soon as possible so we can best support you.

Health and Medication Guidelines

Providing accurate and up-to-date health information is especially important when anesthesia is involved. Your honest communication about your health and medications allows us to plan your care safely, reduce risks, and tailor your anesthesia plan to keep you comfortable and protected throughout your procedure.

• Medical History: Please inform us of any changes to your health, new allergies, or recent illnesses since your last visit
• Medications to Avoid: Certain medications, like blood thinners (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc.), can increase bleeding during surgery. If needed, we will provide you with a specific list of medications to stop taking and when to stop them
• Necessary Medications: If you take daily medications for conditions like high blood pressure, please take them as usual with a small sip of water, unless we have instructed you otherwise

Fasting and Dietary Requirements

When you receive anesthesia, you shouldn’t have anything in your stomach. Fasting before your procedure is an important safety step that helps prevent serious complications, such as food or liquid entering your airway while you are under anesthesia. Please follow these instructions closely to help protect your health during surgery.

• No Food or Drink: Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for at least six hours before your surgery, unless we give you different instructions
• Smoking and Alcohol: Please refrain from smoking or consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure

Personal Preparation and Hygiene

On the day of your surgery, please wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid makeup, nail polish, jewelry, or contact lenses, as all of these can interfere with monitoring and your procedure. Prioritize good hygiene—brush and floss your teeth as usual but avoid swallowing water. These small steps help keep you safe and comfortable during your anesthetic care.

Transportation and Support at Home

If you are receiving anesthesia, it is essential that you do not drive yourself home after your procedure. Please arrange for a responsible adult to bring you to your appointment, stay at our office throughout your surgery, and drive you home afterward. For your safety, we also ask that this person, or another trusted adult, remain with you at home for at least 24 hours to help support you as you recover from anesthesia.

Day of Surgery Checklist

To summarize, here is a simple checklist to help you safely prepare for anesthesia on the day of your surgery:

• Do not eat any food or drink any liquids (even water)
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing
• Bring your completed consent forms and paperwork
• Ensure your ride is confirmed and available