For general anesthesia or sedation, the effects usually last about 24 hours, and can last longer after major surgery. It may take a day or two for the medicine to completely leave your system. During that time, you may still feel sleepy, and your judgment, reflexes, and reactions may not be normal. You should not drive for at least 24 hours after general anesthesia or sedation.

Recovery can be shorter with local anesthetic, since you are awake and alert and do not need recovery time from the anesthesia itself.

If you had general anesthesia, it is best to have someone with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. Verify the exact plan with your surgical or anesthesia team in case they want something different for you.