Is Lidocaine before surgery safe?

Hello @Michelle_2910, thank you for your question. Every specialist has his own protocol regarding pre surgical recommendations. Your specialist will be able to provide advice tailored specifically for you based on different factors such as age, general health condition, and surgical technique. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Dear Michelle_2910,
lidocaine is a local anesthetic and it shouldn't affect your planned surgery. But every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Lidocaine has a half-life of about two hours. That means that after most local anesthetic procedures, the lidocaine will be out of the system in about 6 to 8 hours.
The surgery center policy not seem to be logical. I suggest you talk to your provider, but what you described does not sound like a contra indication or a potential health issue.Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD