Pre-operative Instructions

Instructions prior to anaesthesia:

FOR YOUR SAFETY, FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EATING AND DRINKING PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE WILL PROBABLY RESULT IN RESCHEDULING

General Anaesthesia ('going completely to sleep')

• General anaesthesia (GA) involves an anaesthesiologist and being put completely to sleep. There will be no consciousness during or recollection after the procedure. This is the deepest level of anaesthesia available.
• If having a GA, you may not eat or drink anything after midnight prior your surgery. It is imperative for your own safety to have an empty stomach.
• You may, however, take your regular medications or any prescribed medications for your surgery (for example an antibiotic) with a sip of water prior to surgery, unless instructed otherwise. If there is any doubt, please call the office.

I.V. Sedation ('conscious sedation or twilight sleep')

• I.V. sedation involves giving medications that make you very relaxed and drowsy. You will not be completely asleep, and you will be able to respond to commands in some manner. However, you will likely not have a clear recollection of the appointment and will not realize how much time has passed. It is usually perceived as quite pleasant.
• If having I.V. sedation, you must not eat any food for 8 hours prior to your surgery. However, clear liquids such as water, carbonated beverages, fruit juice without pulp, or clear tea and coffee without milk or cream may be drunk up to 2-3 hours before your arrival time. If there is any doubt, avoid it.
• You may take your regular medications or any prescribed medications for your surgery (for example an antibiotic) with a sip of water prior to surgery, unless instructed otherwise. If there is any doubt, please call the office.

Local Anaesthesia ('freezing or Novocaine')

• Local anaesthesia is getting 'freezing' placed in the mouth to numb the area(s) to be worked on. If having only local anasesthesia, you will be wide awake and aware of everything happening, but once the local anaesthesia has taken effect you should feel no pain.
• We take every effort to ensure this is as comfortable as possible for you.
• You may eat and drink normally prior to your procedure.
• You may take all of your medications as normal or as prescribed, unless instructed otherwise. If there is any doubt, please call the office.

Instructions prior to any surgery:

• If you are diabetic or on blood thinners, ensure your doctor is aware at the time of your consultation because adjustments in your medications may be recommended prior to surgery.
• No smoking for 2 weeks at least 12 hours before surgery to reduce your risk of complications. Ideally, stop smoking or cut down as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery.
• If undergoing I.V. Sedation or General Anaesthesia, a responsible adult must accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home. You should not be left alone for the remainder of the day. Likewise, you should not drive a vehicle, operate any machinery, or sign legal documents for 24 hours following the anaesthesia experience.
• If undergoing only Local Anaesthesia, we still recommend bringing a drive in case you are not feeling yourself following your surgery. However, you may come alone and drive yourself, if desired.
• Please wear loose fitting clothing with no sleeves or sleeves which can easily be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes.
• Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures may need to be removed at the time of surgery.
• Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
• If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, cough, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.

Instructions prior to cosmetic facial surgery:

• IMPORTANT: please follow eating and drinking instructions above if you are having I.V. Sedation or General Anaesthesia
• Do not take aspirin or any drug that increases bleeding 2 weeks before your surgery. Also avoid herbal products such as Gingko, Garlic or Ginseng for at least 2 weeks prior. If in doubt call our office.
• Do not wear any skin products, moisturizers, makeup, lipstick, eyeliner, hair spray, nail polish or fragrances.
• Patients with long hair should wear it back.
• Remove ALL facial and neck jewelry and leave it at home.
• Wear comfortable clothing such as sweats or pajamas, and avoid wearing pullover tops.
• The night before and the morning of your surgery wash your face, body and hair with an antibacterial soap such as Dial Antibacterial or Lever 2000, or use whatever your surgeon may have recommended.
• Please follow all instructions listed above in addition to these.