Pre-Op Surgery and Anesthesia Instructions

1. If you have an illness (e.g. fever, cough, cold, sore throat), please notify our office as soon as possible before surgery

2. For females, if you think you might be pregnant, please notify our office as soon as possible before surgery

3. Alcohol and illegal drugs must absolutely be avoided for 24 hours before and after surgery, and while on pain medication

4. If you are not having IV sedation or general anesthesia, you may have a light meal on the morning of surgery

5. For males, please shave your face or neatly trim your beard on the morning of surgery

6. Please do not apply make-up, perfume, or cologne before surgery

7. Patients under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the time of surgery

8. Patients having oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia must have a responsible adult drive them home after surgery who will remain with them until they can care for themselves – motorcycle or taxi rides home are not allowed!

9. Patients having oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia must not drive nor operate any power tools or machinery for 24 hours after surgery

10. Have ice packs and heating pads available at home for after surgery to manage swelling1

11. Have cold, soft foods available at home for the remainder of the day after surgery (e.g. yogurt, pudding, ice cream), and have warmer, soft foods available at home to begin the day after surgery (e.g. scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta)

12. Avoid wearing your retainer or CPAP mask on the night of surgery – it is okay to resume wearing these the day after surgery

13. Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, or strenuous physical activity for 1 week after surgery

14. Avoid contact sports or blowing through wind instruments for 2 weeks after surgery

15. Avoid eating crunchy foods (e.g. popcorn, chips, pretzels, nuts) for 4 weeks after surgery

16. Avoid swimming in ocean or lake water for 4 weeks after surgery

— ADDITIONAL DAY OF SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS HAVING IV SEDATION OR GENERAL ANESTHESIA —

17. Do not have anything to eat or drink, including no water, no gum, and no hard candy, for eight (8) hours before surgery – it is important to still take your regular medications with small sips of water, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor

18. Please remove contact lenses, watches, and all jewelry (including piercings) before surgery

19. Please remove fingernail polish on both index fingers

20. Please wear comfortable clothing and a loose-fitting shirt with sleeves easily drawn up above the elbows

21. Please wear flat-soled shoes with ankle support (e.g. sneakers) – no high heels and no flip flops!