How to Prepare for Plastic Surgery: a Step-by-Step Plan

Preparing for plastic surgery is a set of tests, lifestyle adjustments and organisational steps that begins 2–4 weeks before the procedure and directly affects anesthesia safety, recovery speed and the quality of the result. Below is the plan we use with patients in our practice.

3–4 weeks before: consultation and screening

Surgeon consultation

At the first visit the doctor performs an examination, takes your history and drafts a surgical plan. This is the appointment where it is decided whether the procedure is possible at all, and at what scope. Bring with you:

• discharge summaries from past hospital stays and a list of chronic conditions;
• a list of medications you take regularly;
• results of previous examinations, if any.

Lab work and the anesthesiologist consultation

The standard screening package includes:

1. Complete blood count and urinalysis.
2. Biochemistry panel (liver, kidneys, glucose).
3. Coagulation profile — blood clotting markers.
4. ECG.
5. Screening for HIV, hepatitis B/C and syphilis.

An ultrasound, a physician consultation or specialist referrals are added as indicated. The anesthesiologist consultation is mandatory for all types of general anesthesia.

2 weeks before: lifestyle adjustments

Smoking and nicotine

Nicotine constricts blood vessels and impairs healing — one of the few risk factors fully controlled by the patient. Quitting 2–4 weeks before surgery and at least 4 weeks after reduces the risk of healing complications several-fold.

Blood-thinning medication

Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, high-dose omega-3 and herbal supplements (ginkgo, garlic capsules) are stopped 10–14 days before — only in agreement with the doctor who prescribed them. Never stop medication on your own.

Alcohol

Eliminate it completely one week before surgery: alcohol affects blood clotting and the metabolism of anesthetic drugs.

1 week before: logistics

• Get your compression garments (for body surgery) — you will need two sets.
• Arrange for someone to accompany you home after anesthesia.
• "Prepare a recovery zone at home: a comfortable place to sleep with an elevated headrest, necessary medication, water, chargers."
• "Sort out work: most procedures require 1–2 weeks before you return to social life."

The final 48 hours

The day before

• Have a light dinner no later than 6–8 hours before surgery.
• From midnight — no food or drink.
• Take a shower; do not apply body cream.
• Leave jewellery at home — it is not allowed in the operating room.

On the day of surgery

Do not use makeup or hairspray; wear comfortable button- or zip-front clothing. Arrive 30–40 minutes before the scheduled time with your ID and test results.

Common preparation mistakes

1. Last-minute weight loss. Rapid weight loss after the examination changes the surgical plan.
2. Withholding information from the doctor. Smoking, medication and previous anesthesias are never "unimportant".
3. Ignoring a cold. Even a runny nose is a reason to reschedule — and that is normal.

Summary

Good preparation is not bureaucracy but the first stage of the operation: it takes two weeks, costs far less than any complication, and is entirely in your hands. Your doctor will draw up a detailed individual checklist at the consultation.