Recovery
Healing, step by step.
Everything to know before and after your procedure — the same instructions we give every Forte patient.
Prepare with confidence
Before anesthesia checklist.
Please review every item before the day of your procedure.
- 01
Fast completely — no food, not even water — for the eight hours before we see you
- 02
No smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery — ideally stop well before
- 03
A responsible adult must accompany you, remain available during the procedure, drive you home, and stay with you until fully responsive
- 04
For a full day after sedation, let someone else drive — no cars, no machinery
- 05
Dress for comfort: a relaxed top with a sleeve that slides above the elbow, and flat, steady shoes
- 06
Remove contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures at surgery time
- 07
Arrive with a bare face and bare nails — skip the lipstick, heavy makeup, and polish that day; tell your doctor about artificial eyelashes
- 08
Men: please shave around the mouth
- 09
Report any illness (cold, fever, Covid exposure, sore throat, upset stomach) to the office
- 10
Check with our office about routine medications and bring them with you
- 11
IV antibiotics (usually Clindamycin) are given during surgery — tell your doctor if allergic; oral antibiotics begin the day after surgery
Surgical Instructions
Printable instructions, in writing.
Print these or keep them open on your phone. If anything is unclear, call us — we would always rather hear from you.
Please read carefully before your surgery date.
- Fast completely — no food, not even water — for the eight hours before we see you.
- No smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery.
- A responsible adult must accompany you, remain reachable during your procedure, drive you home, and stay with you afterward.
- For a full day after sedation, let someone else drive — no cars, no machinery.
- Dress for comfort: a relaxed top with a sleeve that slides above the elbow, and flat, steady shoes.
- Remove contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures before surgery.
- Arrive with a bare face and bare nails — skip the lipstick, heavy makeup, and polish that day. Advise the doctor if you wear artificial eyelashes.
- Men should shave the area around the mouth.
- Report any illness — cold, fever, Covid exposure, sore throat, or upset stomach — before surgery.
- Check with the office about routine oral medications, and bring them with you.
- IV antibiotics (usually Clindamycin) are given at surgery — advise us if you are allergic. Oral antibiotics begin the day after surgery.
These instructions are general guidance from our practice and do not replace the specific directions given to you by Dr. Fitzgerald or your anesthesiologist.
Questions during recovery? Call us anytime — 972-612-7800
These are general guidelines; always follow the specific instructions from Dr. Fitzgerald for your case