After consultation, if you have elected to have more extensive anesthesia, either an IV will be placed in your arm or hand or you will be given an injection into your arm muscle. These types of anesthesia are more extensive and will produce more profound relaxation and amnesia. You will be attached to a monitor during the procedure. Special instructions include:

  • Do NOT eat or drink anything (NOT EVEN WATER) after midnight prior to surgery.
  • If the doctor has given you instructions to take medication(s) an hour before surgery (relaxing medication, blood pressure medications, antibiotics, etc.), make sure you take these pills with only enough water to swallow the pill(s).

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE FASTING GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING AS YOU COULD HAVE LIFE THREATENING COMPLICATIONS. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

  • If you are diabetic, you will be given special instructions about fasting but should plan to be our first appointment of the morning. Please bring your glucometer.
  • Recent or active upper respiratory infections or asthma attacks may also be life threatening. If you have a respiratory infection, please call our office to reschedule for at least 6 weeks later.
  • A responsible adult must accompany the patient to your visit, REMAIN in the office while your surgery is being performed and drive you home after instructions are given. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Please do not wear lipstick, make up, moisturizers or heavy perfumes or fragrances. Nail polish must be removed as it may interfere with oxygen monitoring. Moisturizers on the wrists or ankles interfere with our EKG monitoring.
  • Please do not wear contact lenses. Wear glasses the day of surgery.
  • Recreational drugs (including marijuana) must not be used for at least 72 hours prior to surgery as many of them may cause FATAL CARDIAC ARRYTHMIAS during anesthesia.
  • Sedation typically wears off quickly but may metabolize more slowly in some individuals, so you should NOT drive, operate heavy machinery or make important decisions in the 24 hours after your appointment. You should have someone at home for the first 24 hours after anesthesia.