Anna Brodska
How to Prepare for Plastic Surgery: A Complete Checklist
I treat preparation as part of the operation itself. Its purpose is not simply to complete a standard set of tests. It is to identify relevant risks, coordinate medicines and anaesthesia, and make the first days at home safer and more predictable.
There is no universal protocol for every patient. The plan depends on the procedure, type of anaesthesia, medical history and clinic requirements. Your surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s written instructions therefore take priority over general information online.
This article provides general education and does not replace an individual preoperative assessment.
Start with a complete medical history
I need to understand both your aesthetic concern and anything that may affect anaesthesia, bleeding, clotting or healing. Tell the surgical team about:
- chronic conditions, previous operations and complications;
- allergies and any previous reaction to anaesthesia;
- every prescription and over-the-counter medicine;
- vitamins, herbal remedies, sports and dietary supplements;
- cigarettes, vaping, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, alcohol and other substances;
- pregnancy or a possibility of pregnancy;
- a personal or family history of unusual bleeding or blood clots;
- fever, a cold, a rash or a newly prescribed medicine before surgery.
This information is used to design a safer plan, not to judge you. Concealing nicotine use or medication can change risk in ways the team cannot anticipate.
Which tests may be needed?
Testing should be selected for a clinical reason. The scope of surgery, anaesthetic plan, age, symptoms and medical history all matter. Some patients also need an opinion from a physician, cardiologist or another specialist.
| Area assessed | What it may include | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| General health | Examination, blood pressure, history and selected laboratory tests | Identifies conditions that should be stabilised before surgery |
| Bleeding and clotting | Haemostasis tests when indicated | Helps assess bleeding or thrombotic risk |
| Heart and breathing | ECG or additional investigations based on age and indications | Supports an appropriate anaesthetic plan |
| Infection safety | Tests required by the clinic or prompted by symptoms | Avoids elective surgery during an active infection |
| Procedure-specific area | For example, current breast imaging before breast surgery when indicated | Provides relevant information about the tissues being treated |
More testing is not automatically better care. Each investigation should have a purpose, be completed within the requested time frame and be interpreted by the medical team.
Medicines and supplements: do not stop them on your own
Some medicines affect clotting, blood pressure, glucose or anaesthesia. Abruptly stopping essential treatment can also be dangerous. I ask patients to prepare a list showing the exact name, dose and schedule of everything they take.
The decision to continue, adjust or temporarily stop a medicine must be made by the relevant doctor and anaesthetist. This is particularly important for anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, diabetes and weight-management drugs, blood-pressure treatment and medicines acting on the central nervous system.
| Do not do this yourself | Safer action |
|---|---|
| Stop regular treatment | Provide the full list and obtain a written medication plan |
| Omit herbs or supplements because they seem “natural” | Report every product and dose |
| Take an antibiotic, painkiller or sedative “just in case” | Use only medicines approved for your operation |
| Follow another patient’s schedule | Follow your own dated instructions |
Nicotine and alcohol
Nicotine constricts blood vessels and may compromise oxygen delivery to healing tissue. Smoking also adds respiratory risk. This is especially relevant when tissue is lifted or moved and depends on reliable blood supply.
The required nicotine-free period varies with the operation and individual risk. Discuss cigarettes, vaping, heated tobacco, pouches and nicotine-replacement products separately; none should be assumed acceptable without confirmation.
Alcohol can affect hydration, sleep, liver function and interactions with medicines. Be candid about usual intake. A person who may be dependent on alcohol needs medical guidance because abrupt withdrawal can itself be dangerous.
Food, hydration and fasting
The weeks before surgery are not the time for a crash diet. Healing requires adequate energy, protein and hydration. If weight reduction is advisable, it is better planned well in advance and without rapid fluctuations.
Fasting rules depend on anaesthesia and local protocol. Their purpose is to reduce the risk of stomach contents entering the airway. Do not substitute a generic rule such as “nothing after midnight” for the precise times given by your anaesthetist. Milk, drinks with pulp, sweets and chewing gum may not be permitted even when some clear fluids are allowed.
If you accidentally eat or drink outside the instructions, tell the team exactly what, how much and when. Postponing an elective procedure is safer than hiding a fasting breach.
Prepare your home and support
Good organisation reduces avoidable strain after discharge.
- Arrange transport both ways; do not plan to drive after sedation or general anaesthesia.
- Confirm whether a responsible adult must stay with you during the first night.
- Buy only the prescribed medicines, dressings and compression garment.
- Place water, your phone, charger and essentials within easy reach.
- Prepare loose clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head after facial or breast surgery.
- Arrange help with children, pets, shopping and physically demanding tasks.
- Save the clinic’s contact number and the date of your first review.
Checklist for the day of surgery
Before leaving home, check:
- identification, test results and clinic documents;
- your complete medication list;
- compliance with the food and fluid instructions;
- removal of make-up, creams, jewellery and piercings if requested;
- suitable loose clothing and the prescribed compression garment;
- a charged phone and your accompanying person’s contact details;
- safe transport after discharge.
Call the clinic before travelling if you develop fever, cough, a rash, worsening illness or start a new medicine.
Questions I recommend asking before surgery
- Which medicines should I take on the morning of surgery?
- At what exact time must I stop solid food, milk and clear fluids?
- Who should I contact outside clinic hours?
- Which symptoms require urgent assessment rather than waiting for my review?
- What help will I need at home during the first days?
- When is my first postoperative appointment?
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone need the same blood tests?
No. Tests should reflect the procedure, anaesthesia, age, symptoms and health history. The medical team provides the final list.
Can I take my usual morning medicine?
Only according to your individual plan. Some medicines are continued and others adjusted. Do not decide based on generic online advice.
What if I accidentally ate or drank?
Tell the clinic or anaesthetist immediately, including the item, amount and time. This information determines whether proceeding is safe.
Can surgery proceed if I have a cold?
It depends on the symptoms, operation and anaesthesia. Report even mild respiratory symptoms so the team can assess them.
When should I stop smoking?
Earlier is generally better, but the required period is procedure-specific. Discuss every source of nicotine with your surgeon.
The key point
Safe preparation is a personal plan, not a universal list of restrictions. Share your complete health and medication history, complete only the investigations requested, follow fasting instructions precisely and organise a safe return home. If anything changes before surgery, informing the team is always the responsible decision.
For procedure-specific planning, I discuss preparation during a personal consultation and relate it to the selected operation rather than applying one checklist to everyone.
Sources
- NHS: preparing for surgery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: patient health and safety
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: how smoking affects recovery
- Guy’s and St Thomas’: preparing for anaesthesia
Medical review: Anna Brodska, plastic surgeon. Updated 7 September 2026.
