If you’re having IV/Oral Sedation or Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)

Arrange a responsible adult (not a teenager) to take you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. You cannot leave the facility alone or take a taxi/rideshare without an adult escort.

Plan help at home for meals, kids, housework, rides to follow-ups, etc. We can help you arrange a nurse or car service on request.

1–2 weeks before surgery

Stop smoking: ideally 2 weeks before and after—smoking increases healing problems.

Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and other blood-thinners not prescribed; use acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed.

Vitamins/supplements: skip “mega” vitamins or non-prescription supplements unless approved. A basic multivitamin is okay; Vitamin C 1000 mg daily is optional; avoid Vitamin E > 20 IU.

Arnica: you may start 2 days before surgery if recommended; if taking, may take 3 tablets three times a day.

Sun: avoid sun to the surgical area for at least a week before.

Alcohol: avoid for 2 weeks before and after surgery.

GLP-1 Medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Monjaro, Zepbound): Please inform the anesthesiologist if you are taking any of these medications, we will have to stop this medication one to two weeks before your surgery and have you fast for a longer period before your procedure

After your pre-op visit

Pick up prescriptions the same day and buy any recommended over-the-counter items.

Pre-surgical testing: complete by the deadline given.

If there’s any chance of pregnancy, tell us. Some anesthesia medicines can affect pregnancy.

The day before surgery

We’ll call with your arrival time and reminders.

Bring all your prescriptions and any daily medications (e.g., blood pressure meds, inhalers).

Cleansing: shower and wash the surgical area with Hibiclens (avoid eyes/inside nose). No lotions afterward.

Nails/makeup: no makeup; leave one fingernail free of polish/acrylics for monitoring during your procedure.

Nothing to eat or drink (including water, gum, or candy) for 8 hours before surgery unless we tell you otherwise (expect the time to be longer if you are on a GLP-1).

The morning of surgery

Do not eat or drink. If you were told to take a morning medication, take it with a small sip of water.

Oral hygiene: brush teeth and use mouthwash—don’t swallow water.

Shower again with Hibiclens; men should be clean-shaven unless they wear a full beard.

No products: skip moisturizers, creams, makeup, perfumes, hairspray/gel; if your procedure is below the neck, no deodorant.

Contacts/jewelry: remove contacts and all jewelry (including piercings). Leave valuables at home.

Clothing: wear loose, comfortable clothes that don’t go over the head (zip/button tops) and slip-on shoes.

Arrival: come at the assigned time and keep your day flexible—rarely, times change.

Escort: your adult escort must pick you up; we cannot discharge you without them.

What happens at the surgical center

Before surgery

You’ll change into surgical attire; we’ll review consent, check vitals, and give any needed medicines.

The anesthesiologist (MD) will explain going to sleep and safety monitors. You can even choose music as your IV is started.

Your surgeon will mark/prepare the area and answer last-minute questions.

In the operating room

You’ll lie on a padded table, be connected to monitors, and receive medication through your IV to help you fall asleep comfortably.

Recovery

After surgery you’ll wake up in recovery with a nurse monitoring you.

Most people are fully awake within 30–60 minutes; total recovery stay is usually 1–3 hours.

Your escort will take you home with your instructions and medications.

Good to know

If plans change (illness, new medications, possible pregnancy), contact us before surgery.

Follow any procedure-specific instructions your surgeon provides—they take priority.