Awake surgery preparation guide

4 to 6 weeks before

• Book your consultation and complete the welcome form.
• Ask your surgeon when to stop nicotine and vaping. Your team will give you a timeline.
• List every medication and supplement, including GLP-1 medications. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your team tells you to.
• Arrange time off, a ride home and an adult to stay with you.
• Ask about financing options, if needed, on our pricing and financing page.

1 to 2 weeks before

• Follow your instructions about blood-thinning medicines and supplements. Ask rather than guess.
• Choose your music, a podcast or audiobook. Download it for offline play.
• Prepare your recovery space: pillows, easy meals, water, comfortable front-opening clothing.
• Fill any prescriptions you were given.
• Write down questions with our checklist.

The day before

• Follow your fasting instructions exactly.
• Remove nail polish, jewelry and makeup as instructed. Shower as directed.
• Pack comfortable clothes, your ID and health card, and headphones if you wish.
• Rest. Go to bed early.

The day of surgery

• Arrive on time with your support person.
• Tell your team anything that has changed: illness, new medications, anything you ate or drank.
• Tell your anesthesiologist what would help you feel safe.

At home

• Follow your written instructions on rest, garments, dressings and activity.
• Keep your follow-up appointments.
• Call the clinic for questions. Call 911 for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, collapse or heavy bleeding.