Your checklist before cosmetic surgery

Why does preparation matter?

Cosmetic surgery is a real medical procedure, even when its aim is to improve appearance. The medical team therefore treats it to the same standards as any other operation: a full health assessment, careful planning and clear instructions before and after surgery.

Many possible complications, such as bleeding, slow wound healing or infection, are linked to factors that can be controlled in advance, including smoking, certain medications and supplements, and poorly controlled chronic conditions. Following the preparation checklist is not a minor detail; it is a core part of your safety.

Consultation and medical assessment

The journey starts with a detailed consultation with the surgeon, who discusses your goals and expectations, examines the area concerned and explains the available options and the limits of each. It is important to be completely open about your medical history.

The doctor usually requests basic blood tests such as a blood count, clotting tests, kidney function and blood sugar, and may request an ECG or further tests depending on your age, health and the type of operation. In some cases an assessment by the anaesthetist or a specialist physician is needed before the surgery date is set.

• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and thyroid disorders.
• Every medication you take, including herbs, vitamins and supplements.
• Any known allergy to medicines or medical materials.
• Previous operations and any problems with anaesthesia for you or a family member.
• Any history of blood clots or bleeding disorders.

Medications and supplements: what may need to stop?

Some medications and supplements increase the tendency to bleed or interact with anaesthetic drugs. The doctor may therefore ask you to stop some of them before surgery, usually for between one and two weeks, and will set the exact timing for each medicine and each case.

Common examples include aspirin and some anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, and supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo and high-dose garlic. The contraceptive pill or hormone therapy may also need specific discussion because of their association with clot risk.

Important: never stop a prescribed medicine on your own, especially heart medication, blood thinners or diabetes medication. Any change must be coordinated between the surgeon and your treating doctor.

Smoking, alcohol and lifestyle

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, shisha and other nicotine products, reduces blood flow to the skin and tissues, which slows healing and raises the risk of complications, particularly in operations that lift the skin such as a facelift or tummy tuck. Surgeons usually advise stopping at least four weeks before surgery and staying off nicotine for a similar period afterwards, although the timing may vary by procedure.

It is also advisable to avoid alcohol in the days before surgery, eat a balanced diet rich in protein and vegetables, drink enough water and sleep well. For body-contouring operations, a stable weight beforehand is preferred.

The final week and the night before

As the date approaches, the instructions become more specific. Follow what the medical team asks precisely, and do not hesitate to ask about anything that is unclear.

Preparing your home for recovery

Recovery is easier when everything is ready before you come home. Think about what you will need in the early days, when movement is limited and rest is advised.

Prepare a comfortable place to sleep with extra pillows to keep your head or the treated area raised as the doctor instructs, and make sure you have the prescribed medicines, cold compresses if recommended, a compression garment for operations that need one, and light, easy-to-prepare food. Arranging time off work and help with household responsibilities also lets you recover without pressure.

When to contact the doctor, and what to ask at consultation

Before surgery, tell the doctor straight away if you develop a cold, fever, a skin infection or any new health problem, as postponing may be the safer choice. After surgery, contact the medical team if you notice increasing pain that does not respond to painkillers, sudden swelling on one side, a high temperature, redness or discharge from the wound, shortness of breath, or pain and swelling in a leg.

Useful questions at consultation include: Am I a suitable candidate for this procedure? What type of anaesthesia is used and roughly how long does the operation take? What risks apply to my case? How long does recovery usually take and when can I return to work? And what realistic result can I expect, bearing in mind that results vary from person to person?

A short checklist before your date