Your written discharge plan comes first. These instructions must be tailored to your treatment and medical history. For combined procedures, ask the team for one coordinated plan; do not choose between conflicting instructions yourself.
What to expect.
Preparation instructions depend on the procedure and the type of anesthesia. Confirm your personalized plan before the day of treatment.
Your care plan.
- Confirm arrival time, location, fasting instructions, and which medications to take that morning. Do not rely on a generic midnight fasting rule.
- Arrange transportation and an adult caregiver if sedation or general anesthesia is planned. Plan help with children, lifting, and daily tasks.
- Tell the practice about new illness, infection, pregnancy possibility, medication changes, or a skin problem near the planned treatment area.
- Have prescriptions, approved supplies, and follow-up appointments organized. Ask how to reach the treating team after hours.
- Review nicotine, alcohol, and supplement instructions with the team. Do not independently stop essential prescription medicines.
Activity & recovery.
- Follow your anesthesia team’s exact food and drink restrictions. If you eat or drink outside that plan, tell the team rather than concealing it.
When to call.
Chest pain, trouble breathing, collapse, stroke symptoms, or sudden loss of vision need immediate emergency care. Do not wait for an office reply or use an online form.
Contact your care team promptly
- Call the practice before proceeding if you are unwell or are unsure about fasting, medicines, or transportation.
- Report fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, spreading redness, pus, worsening pain, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Call sooner if you feel seriously unwell, even without a fever.
- New one-sided calf pain or swelling needs urgent medical assessment. If you also have chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.
Call 615.730.7500. After hours, follow the urgent-contact directions on your discharge paperwork. If you cannot reach the team and symptoms are urgent, seek immediate medical care.
Stay connected.
Keep your scheduled follow-up and ask the team when to send an update or return sooner. Confirm any dressing, stitch, or drain removal with the office. Return to exercise, work, travel, and skin-care products should follow your individual clearance plan.
Before leaving your appointment, make sure you know your next visit date, medication plan, and after-hours contact instructions.
Sources & References
External references open in a new tab. Your care guide will stay open here.
- ASPS: breast augmentation recovery
- American College of Surgeons: medication and surgery
- American Society of Anesthesiologists: diabetes and weight-loss medicines
- American Society of Anesthesiologists: surgery preparation
These references provide general information. Follow your care team’s procedure-specific instructions and personal discharge plan.