The day of your procedure, hour by feel
Most anxiety comes from not knowing what happens next. So here is the whole day, in order — from the front door to your own couch.
The journey, from arrival to discharge
Details vary with your procedure and anesthesia option, but the rhythm of the day is consistent.
Arrival & check-in
You arrive at your scheduled time, having followed your written pre-op instructions. We confirm your identity, health history, medications, and — if your plan requires one — that your escort is with you.
Preparation review
A team member reviews your preparation: fasting where required, medication instructions, and any last questions. If something in your preparation went wrong — you ate when you shouldn't have, or a medication changed — tell us honestly. Adjusting the plan safely is always better than proceeding on wrong assumptions.
Getting settled
You are seated in the surgical room, monitoring appropriate to your anesthesia plan is set up, and your surgeon confirms the plan with you one final time before anything begins.
Your comfort plan begins
Your chosen anesthesia option is administered. With local anesthesia alone, you stay aware and can communicate throughout. With sedation or deeper levels, you relax or drift while the team monitors you continuously.
The procedure
Your surgeon performs the planned procedure. From most patients' perspective under sedation, this part passes quickly — many are surprised when told it is finished.
Recovery on site
You rest under observation while the immediate effects wear off. The team checks your comfort and stability, reviews your aftercare essentials, and answers questions — repeating them for your escort, since memory right after sedation is unreliable.
Discharge home
When you meet discharge criteria, you head home with written instructions and supplies. Whether you may drive yourself, or must be driven and accompanied, depends on your anesthesia option — it is confirmed in your pre-op instructions.
Know the whole day before it starts.
Most anxiety comes from not knowing what happens next — so this page walks the whole day in order, from the front door to your own couch.
Details vary with your procedure and anesthesia option, but the rhythm of the day is consistent. And when in doubt afterward, call — that is what the number is for.
The rest of the day
After you get home
Plan for a quiet remainder of the day: rest, fluids, and the diet your instructions describe. If you had sedation or deeper anesthesia, expect drowsiness and skip driving, work decisions, and anything requiring sharp judgment until the effects fully clear — your instructions cover the specifics for your plan.
Your written instructions also tell you what is normal, what deserves a phone call, and how to reach us. When in doubt, call — that is what the number is for.
Urgent post-procedure symptoms are covered on the emergency page →
Still have day-of questions?
Ask them at your consultation — or call the office. No question about anesthesia is too small.