Before your surgery
Good preparation is the foundation of a successful procedure and a smoother recovery. Work through the steps below in the weeks before your surgery.
Pre-surgery preparation
- Have your consultation. Discuss your goals, medical history and medications with your surgeon. A physical exam and photos of the area to be treated may also be needed.
- Review your medicines with your prescriber. Tell your surgeon about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take, including blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin, and about any drug allergies. Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine unless the healthcare professional who prescribed it tells you to. If something has to be paused before surgery, your surgeon and your prescriber will tell you when and for how long.
- Stop smoking and drinking. Stop drinking and smoking two weeks before surgery to reduce bleeding and support healing.
- Adjust certain foods and supplements. Avoid foods and supplements that can increase bleeding, such as garlic, green tea and pomegranate, and stop birth control pills one month before if advised by your surgeon.
- Reach a stable weight for breast surgery. If you are having breast surgery, be at your ideal, stable weight, as weight fluctuations can affect your results.
- Prepare your recovery essentials. Consider a comfortable pillow for recovery, and a second surgical bra if you are having breast surgery. Avoid fake tan and keep your nails clean and clear.
- Eat and drink lightly beforehand. Eat and drink lightly around 12 hours before surgery to make blood sampling easier, following your surgeon’s fasting instructions.
During your surgery
Plastic surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia. How long it takes depends on the type of procedure, but it usually lasts several hours.
What to bring and how to prepare on the day
- Bring a nightdress, slippers and something to keep you occupied, such as books or a laptop.
- Avoid wearing jewellery, fake eyelashes, nail polish or moisturiser on the day of surgery.
- Wear loose clothing with front buttons or zippers so you can change easily afterwards.
- If you feel nauseous after anaesthesia, ask for anti-sickness medication.
- Remove contact lenses, glasses or dentures before the procedure.
After your surgery
Post-op care is essential for a smooth recovery and the best possible result. You may feel tired or disoriented from the anaesthesia, and some pain or discomfort is normal.
Post-op instructions
- Follow your surgeon's guidance on caring for your wound and managing pain.
- Use cold packs to reduce swelling, and keep the area clean and dry.
- Wear any compression garments or splints your surgeon recommends to support healing.
- Use antibacterial wipes to keep clean, avoiding the wound area until you are cleared to shower.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and eat protein-rich meals to support healing.
- Protect your scars with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) for a year to prevent discolouration.
- Avoid smoking and drinking for at least two weeks after surgery, as both can delay healing.
- Keep wearing your compression garment for as long as recommended to help your results settle.
Diet recommendations
Because of the anaesthesia, it is common to feel thirsty or have a sore throat after surgery. Keep gentle fluids handy, such as decaffeinated tea or non-citrus juices. If your appetite is limited, try soft foods like yoghurt, pudding or soups.
What to eat
- Stick to protein-rich, easy-to-digest foods.
- Avoid high-fat, salty, spicy or caffeinated foods, and high-fat dairy products.
Healing takes time, and everyone's recovery is a little different. Be patient with your body and follow your surgeon's advice for the best outcome.