How to Prepare for Cosmetic Surgery: Guide

Preparing for cosmetic surgery involves more than just booking your procedure. Your diet, lifestyle, and medications play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth operation and optimal recovery. Following expert guidelines can reduce risks, speed up healing, and enhance your final results.

This guide covers everything you need to know before your surgery, following best practices to support your body and improve your surgical outcome.

At a Glance: Quick Pre-Surgery Checklist

✔ Stop smoking & vaping at least 4 weeks before surgery

✔ Avoid alcohol for 2 weeks before surgery (no excessive drinking)

✔ Fasting: No food or drink 7 hours before surgery

✔ Prepare your travel & accommodation: Ensure phone connectivity & bring necessary items

✔ Pack essential toiletries & medications

✔ Follow pre-surgery dietary recommendations

✔ Mentally prepare: Manage expectations, reduce stress, and speak with your patient coordinator for support

✔ Confirm all medical documents & instructions

Learn more about the full surgery process in our Your Surgery Process Guide

Diet: What to Eat & Avoid Before Surgery

A nutritious diet before surgery helps your body heal faster and lowers the risk of complications. Here’s how to optimise your diet in the weeks leading up to your procedure:

Foods to Eat Before Surgery

• Protein-rich foods (chicken, fish, eggs, lentils) to support tissue repair.
• Vitamin C sources (oranges, bell peppers, strawberries) to promote wound healing.
• Iron-rich foods (spinach, red meat, beans) to maintain healthy blood levels.
• Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil) to reduce inflammation.
• Hydrating foods (cucumbers, watermelon, soups) to keep your skin and body hydrated.

Foods to Avoid Before Surgery

• Processed and salty foods that can cause bloating and water retention.
• Sugary foods and refined carbs that can slow healing and increase inflammation.
• Caffeine and energy drinks that can dehydrate you and raise blood pressure.
• Alcohol (avoid at least 48 hours before surgery, and no excessive drinking for 2 weeks prior to surgery) as it thins the blood and increases bruising.

Final Tip

Stay hydrated in the days leading up to surgery, but do not drink any liquids (including water) for at least 7 hours before your procedure.

Lifestyle Adjustments for a Safer Surgery

Your lifestyle choices impact how well your body responds to surgery and heals afterwards. Make these key changes before your procedure:

Stop Smoking & Vaping at Least 4 Weeks Before Surgery

• Nicotine restricts blood flow and delays healing, increasing the risk of complications.
• If you smoke or vape, ask your surgeon for a nicotine-free plan to help you quit temporarily.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

• Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery to prevent excessive bleeding.
• No excessive drinking for 2 weeks prior to surgery to support liver function and healing.

Avoid Heavy Exercise 48 Hours Before Surgery

• Intense workouts before surgery can cause muscle soreness and increase swelling.
• Stick to light movement, such as walking, to maintain circulation without overexertion.

Ensure You Have Essentials for Hospital & Hotel Recovery

• Pack toiletries you need for both the hospital and your hotel stay.
• Bring any feminine hygiene products such as tampons if needed.
• Pack any prescription medications you need during your stay.
• Ensure you have provided all correct information to the surgeon and bring any additional medical records if required.
• Be on time in the hotel lobby for the VIP transfer pick-up to the hospital.

Prepare for International Travel Needs

• Inform your phone provider that you’re travelling abroad so you can use your phone.
• Consider getting a local SIM card for better connectivity.
• This is especially useful for delivery apps, as some may require phone verification via SMS.

Raise Any Health Concerns or Changes ASAP

• If you experience any illness, infection, or changes in your health before surgery, notify your surgeon immediately.
• This includes any new medications, recent colds, or unexpected symptoms.

Final Tip

A calm, well-prepared mindset helps reduce stress before surgery, leading to a smoother recovery.

Medications & Supplements: What to Stop and What’s Safe

Some medications and supplements can increase bleeding risks or interfere with anaesthesia. Follow these medication guidelines:

Medications to Avoid Before Surgery

• Blood thinners (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Warfarin) – Stop at least 1 week before surgery.
• Certain herbal supplements (Garlic, Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort) – Stop 2 weeks before surgery.
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) – Stop at least 48 hours before surgery.
• Weight loss or diet pills – These may interact with anaesthesia; discontinue at least 2 weeks prior.

Medications That Are Usually Safe

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) – Safe for pain relief.
• Most antibiotics – Confirm with your surgeon.
• Prescription medications – Always check with your surgeon about whether to continue.

Final Tip

Always provide your full medical history and medication list to your surgical team in advance.

Quote from Dr Safak

“Proper preparation is key to achieving the best surgical results. Your body needs to be in optimal condition before undergoing any procedure. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth surgery and recovery process.” – Dr. Safak. 

Mental Preparation for Surgery

Preparing for surgery isn’t just about physical steps like fasting or packing essentials—you also need to mentally and emotionally prepare for the experience. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions before your procedure.

• Talk to your patient coordinator – They have experience helping patients manage pre-surgery nerves, excitement, and anxiety. They can offer reassurance and practical advice.
• Join support groups – Many patients find comfort in Facebook groups, forums, and online communities, where real people share their personal experiences, tips, and recovery journeys.
• Set realistic expectations – Surgery can enhance and refine features, but it’s important to understand what is achievable based on your anatomy and healing process.
• Be patient with your emotions – It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement, nervousness, or doubt before surgery. A strong support system and research can help ease concerns.
• Learn from others – Connecting with previous patients can give you insight into recovery timelines, emotional highs and lows, and helpful tips.
• Stay informed – For a deeper understanding of the emotional side of surgery and how to mentally prepare, check out our Guide to Mental and Emotional Preparation for Cosmetic Surgery.

What to Do the Night Before Surgery

• Take a shower and cleanse your skin thoroughly – Avoid lotions, creams, or perfumes.
• Remove all jewellery, piercings, and nail polish – Metal and polish can interfere with medical equipment.
• No food or drink for at least 7 hours before surgery – This is crucial to prevent complications under anaesthesia.
• Get a good night’s sleep – Your body will recover better when well-rested.

Final Tip

If you accidentally eat or drink within the fasting period, inform your surgeon immediately – your procedure may need to be rescheduled.

Mommy Makeover Risks – What You Need to Know

A Mommy Makeover is a major surgery that involves multiple procedures, so it is important for patients to be fully informed about the potential risks. Patients must understand the risks and take responsibility for their decision.

Potential Risks Include:

• Swelling & Bruising – Common in the first few weeks but gradually improves.
• Temporary Numbness – Sensory changes in treated areas.
• Changes in Skin Sensation – Some areas may feel tighter or more sensitive.
• Scarring – Incisions are placed strategically but will fade over time.
• Infection or Bleeding – Rare but manageable with proper aftercare.

Disclaimer

The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified medical practitioner before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Clear Surgery is a medical tourism company that facilitates treatment with experienced surgeons and accredited hospitals. We are not a medical provider and do not perform medical procedures ourselves. Patients undergo surgery at their own risk, and all medical decisions should be made between the patient and their chosen surgeon.

Patients must be 18 years or older to enquire or undergo surgery. It is the patient’s responsibility to provide complete and accurate medical information, including health history, medications, and any relevant conditions. Failure to disclose necessary details may result in treatment cancellation or increased medical risks.

Both the UK Government (source) and the Australian Government’s Smartraveller service (source) advise patients to carefully review medical tourism guidelines before travelling abroad for surgery. Official government health advice can be found on their respective websites. Patients should also review our Terms and Conditions for full details on our services and responsibilities.