Preparing for Surgery

Pre-Operative Instructions

“You create a positive environment that makes your patients feel valued, secure, and empowered. It was nice to come in and immediately be welcomed with a smile and remembering my name!” – Rebecca Mullins, Columbus, GA

The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last-minute questions. We can be reached at (334) 209-1352 during regular business hours.

Pre-Operative Instructions for IV Sedation

For your comfort and safety, your procedure may be performed using local anesthesia and IV sedation. Please carefully follow these instructions before your appointment.

Before Your Appointment

Medications: Take your usual prescribed medications unless your surgeon has instructed you otherwise. Please provide us with a complete list of all medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications you take. Do not take any new or additional medications without your surgeon’s approval.
Eating & Drinking: Do not eat for 6 hours before your appointment. You may have small amounts of clear liquids (such as water, lemon-lime soda, or black coffee) up to 2 hours before your appointment. Avoid milk, cream, sugar, and other non-clear liquids.
Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol the day before, the day of, or for 24 hours after your sedation.
Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled above your elbow. Remove nail polish or acrylic nails from at least two fingers on your right hand. Do not wear contact lenses on the day of your procedure; bring glasses instead.
Illness: Please notify your surgeon if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, congestion, fever, or other illness before your appointment. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled.

Day of Your Appointment

Arrive on time: Please arrive promptly so our team can complete your pre-operative evaluation and prepare you safely for treatment. Late arrival may require rescheduling.
You must have a driver: A responsible adult must accompany you to your appointment, remain in the office during your procedure, and drive you home afterward. You may not drive yourself or use public transportation.
Plan for supervision: You will need a responsible adult to stay with you and supervise you for the remainder of the day.

After IV Sedation

For the remainder of the day:

Do not drive or operate machinery.
Do not make important legal, financial, or business decisions.
Do not drink alcohol.
Avoid strenuous activity, exercise, heavy lifting, or strenuous household activities.
Rest and limit your activity. Using a small ice pack on your face may help improve your comfort.

Do not drive for at least 24 hours after sedation.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. You will be prescribed an antibiotic if our doctor determines it to be necessary. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.