Is fasting necessary for IV sedation?

Question

I'm having chin implant and fat grafting to the face. About 1.5hrs of surgery. I was told to fast at least 6 hours before surgery and not even water is allowed. Not quite comfortable about this as I'm already thin and would it affect fat taken because I can only eat probably by evening time. I thought fasting is only for GA and not sedation?

Edwin Kwon, MD, FACS · Answer

The consensus is that even IV sedation requires a period of not eating or drinking for your safety.  The main concern is that you may aspirate during the procedure given the sedation that you received. 
One night of fasting will not affect the amount of fat that you available for fat harvest so the safest thing to do is to follow the instructions from your surgeon.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is normal for patients not to take anything by mouth for at least 6 hours before a surgical procedure done under IV sedation.  This should not affect the amount of fat that can be taken for fat grafting.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Six hours of fasting is mandatory for any type of anesthesia wether it is  general anesthesia or IV sedation. In our practice, most chin implants are placed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure which takes approximately 30 minutes.

John Frederick, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.
Your fasting time will have no impact on the viability of the fat harvest, nor will it change the amount of fat available for harvest. With regards to the time needed to fast before surgery - make sure you speak directly with your surgeon / anesthesia team about this. Many surgeons have different specific timelines and requirements - failing to abide by those requirements may result in delaying your case.
I hope this helps.
John Frederick

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Xien, Fasting is necessary prior to IV sedation to ensure that you do not aspirate on the operating table. Fasting prior to your surgery will not affect the fat harvesting or the viability of the fat. If you have concerns I would contact your surgeons office and set up an appointment with your anesthesiologist so that you will be fully informed. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Is fasting necessary for IV sedation?

Answers (5)

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