Before Intravenous Anesthesia Sedation

Patients having surgery with local freezing only, are not required to fast or have an adult accompany them to surgery.

If you will be sedated using intravenous (IV), you MUST:

  • Fast for a period of 8 hours prior to surgery. This means NO food, candy, or even chewing gum. You can drink clear fluids (i.e., water) up to 2 hours prior to your sedation.
  • Failure to fast as instructed can result in the cancellation of your surgery due to safety concerns.
  • Only if directed by your surgeon can a light meal (such as toast and clear fluids) be eaten no later than 6 hours before the surgery.

In addition to fasting, your surgeon will advise you to:

  • Take your morning medications as usual (with a small sip of water and as early as possible) unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.
  • Brush your teeth and rinse in the morning before the surgery.
  • Do NOT smoke or vape after midnight the night before the surgery.
  • Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing.
  • Remove all jewelry prior to surgery.
  • Remove nail polish and leave contact lenses at home.
  • Use the restroom just prior to entering the treatment room.

Before your surgery, it is a good idea to plan ahead and not plan any social media posts or make important and/or legal decisions. It is best to make important decisions after you fully recover from the effects of sedation.

We value patient safety. All patients that are being sedated will require a responsible adult to accompany them to and from the procedure. This individual will also be required to remain in our clinic for the duration of your procedure to receive the proper home care instructions.

After your surgery and during your recovery period, this person must be able to drive you home or accompany you in whatever form of transportation you are taking. Over the following 24 hours, this person must be able to stay with you around the clock and take care of you as needed.

If your children are getting a procedure, a parent or guardian should prepare to monitor their social media following surgery. This extra precaution is for their safety to deal with the effects of the sedation drugs or medications used and avoid any inappropriate posts.