Pre-Op Instructions
A little preparation before going into treatment is a great way to set yourself up for success — during the procedure, and then into recovery. Following the pre-operative instructions your surgeon provides will also give you confidence in what to expect on surgery day, and how to best care for yourself as you heal.
Schedule a ConsultationConfirm Your Appointment Details
First, it’s important to make sure you have the correct surgery date, time, and location. We recommend arriving 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled start time to allow for any last-minute steps, and to give yourself a moment to relax and settle in.
If anything changes — a medication, a new health concern, or a scheduling conflict — contact our office as soon as possible. We’d much rather hear from you ahead of time.
Getting Ready in the Days Before Surgery
First, delegate a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment if you’ll be receiving sedation or general anesthesia. This is a firm requirement, not a suggestion — sedation affects your reflexes and judgment after the initial grogginess wears off, and you should plan to have someone accompany you for the rest of that day.
This is also helpful so you can prepare your home ahead of time. Set up a comfortable space to rest, stock your kitchen with soft, easy-to-make and easy-to-digest foods you’ll be able to eat during early recovery and pick up any prescriptions your surgeon has provided in advance. Having everything in place before you leave for surgery means one less thing to think about when you return.
The Day Before Your Procedure
The day before surgery is a great time to tie up any loose ends and give your body a chance to rest.
It’s best to avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours before your surgery. Both can interfere with anesthesia, impact how your body responds to medication, and delay the healing process. Getting a full night’s sleep is helpful too — fatigue can make recovery feel harder than it should.
Confirm your ride arrangements with your trusted companion one more time. Knowing that part is handled helps you arrive at treatment day feeling more confident.
The Morning of Your Surgery
Your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions will include specific guidance based on your procedure and the type of sedation being used. Read through them carefully the night before, so the morning feels straightforward.
Here are a few guidelines that apply to most surgical visits:
- If you are receiving sedation or general anesthesia, follow your fasting instructions. This typically means no food or drink after midnight, or as specified by your surgeon
- Take any medications your surgeon has approved with a small sip of water, only if instructed to do so
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and supportive shoes; layers are a good idea since clinical environments can be cool
- Please remove all jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish, and makeup
- Brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly before leaving the house
- Arrive a few minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork and give yourself a calm start
If you have any last-minute questions or need to make a change, call our office right away. We’re here to help.
Our Commitment to You
We want you to walk into surgery feeling ready for what’s next. That sense of assurance makes a real difference — in how you experience the procedure and in how well you recover. After your initial consultation, you’ll leave with written instructions tailored to your specific procedure. Remember, you’re always welcome to call us with any questions as your surgery date approaches.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONCommon Questions About Pre-Op Preparation
Please let us know right away. Fasting before sedation is a safety requirement, not a formality — having food or liquid in your stomach when anesthesia is administered can create a serious risk. If you’ve eaten or had anything to drink beyond what was approved, your procedure may need to be rescheduled. It’s always better to tell us in advance.
It depends. Some should be taken as usual; others need to be paused in the days before your procedure. Your surgeon will review your full medication list at your consultation and give you specific guidance. If you start a new medication between your consultation and your surgery date, let us know as soon as possible so we can advise accordingly.
Your comfort is a priority. Loose clothing that’s easy to get in and out of is ideal — avoid anything tight around the neck or arms, since monitoring equipment may need to be placed. Leave valuables and jewelry at home. If your procedure involves the upper body or face area, a button-down or zip-up top is easier for you to manage once you get home.
Meet Our Surgeons
Our team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons brings decades of combined experience and a shared commitment to individualized patient-centered care.
Patient Testimonials
The most honest measure of our work is how our patients feel when they leave. Read what real patients across East Texas are saying about their care at Tyler Oral Facial Surgery.
