Before surgery
Preparing for anesthesia
If sedation or anesthesia is part of your plan, preparation matters as much as the procedure itself. This page explains why the rules exist. The exact timeframes and directions for your case come from our office in writing.
DRAFT — clinical review required v0.1-draft Clinical director (unassigned)
Your written instructions come first
This page is general education. The written instructions and prescriptions your surgeon gives you are specific to your procedure and health, and they always take priority over anything on this website.
Why each preparation rule exists
Every rule protects you during and after anesthesia. Understanding the reason makes them easier to follow.
An empty stomach
Anesthesia relaxes the reflexes that normally protect your airway. Stopping food and drink before sedation reduces the risk of stomach contents entering your lungs. This is why the eating and drinking rules are strict and why we ask you to tell us honestly if they were not followed — your surgery may need to be rescheduled for your safety, not as a penalty.
Medication review
Some medications and supplements interact with anesthesia or affect bleeding. Your surgical team reviews everything you take and gives you written directions about what to take or pause. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own — ask us first.
A responsible adult escort
Sedation affects judgment, coordination, and reflexes after you leave, even when you feel alert. Your escort gets you home safely and stays with you as your written instructions describe. Driving yourself is not an option after sedation.
Honest health updates
A new illness, a change in medications, or the possibility of pregnancy can change what anesthesia is safe for you. Call us with any change before your surgery day.
Clothing and practical details
Loose, comfortable clothing with accessible sleeves helps with monitoring during your procedure. Your written instructions cover details like contact lenses, jewelry, and nail polish for your anesthesia plan.
Your specific directions
The specifics below publish only after clinical verification. Until then — and even after — your written personal instructions are the authority.
Before your anesthesia appointment
When to handle it yourself, when to call, and when it is an emergency.
Usually expected
- Feeling anxious about sedation — tell us; comfort planning is part of your consultation
- Questions about why a rule applies to you
- Confirming your escort plans
Call our office if
- You ate or drank when your written instructions said not to
- A new illness, fever, or cough before surgery
- A medication change, or you are unsure what to take the morning of surgery
- Your escort fell through
- You may be pregnant
Call 911 or go to the ER if
- Severe difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Rapidly spreading facial swelling or high fever with facial swelling
- Serious facial trauma
Questions or urgent concerns
Call before your surgery day with anything that is unclear — it is never a bother.
Call our office at 908-520-2694. After hours: for a life-threatening emergency, dial 911
Ready to talk through your plan?
Request a consultation and our team will follow up to schedule your visit.