Good preparation for cosmetic surgery starts weeks before the operation. It includes a thorough consultation and cooling-off period, reviewing your medicines and supplements, stopping all nicotine, reaching a stable weight, arranging time off work and help at home, and following the fasting and skin preparation instructions you are given. Careful preparation helps reduce complications and makes recovery calmer and more comfortable.
Consultation and reflection
Preparation begins with an unhurried consultation with the operating surgeon, where your goals, medical history and the risks of the procedure are discussed. You should receive written information and a quote. Good practice includes time for reflection between consultation and booking, typically at least two weeks, and a second consultation if you have further questions. Use this period to reread the information, talk to people you trust and make sure the decision feels right. Our list of questions to ask your surgeon is a useful starting point.
Health checks and medical history
- Tell the team everything: including previous operations, anaesthetic problems, bleeding or clotting history, allergies and long-term conditions.
- Pre-operative assessment: the hospital may arrange blood tests, an ECG or other checks depending on your age and health.
- Long-term conditions: conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should be well controlled; your GP may be asked for information.
- Recent illness: let the team know if you develop a cold, infection or skin problem close to your surgery date.
Medicines and supplements
Some medicines and supplements affect bleeding, clotting or anaesthesia. Bring a full list of everything you take, including herbal remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter products, to your pre-operative assessment. You may be advised to pause certain blood-thinning medicines, some supplements such as fish oil or high-dose vitamin E, and possibly hormonal medication, for a set period before surgery. Never stop a prescribed medicine without advice from your surgeon or GP, as stopping some medicines suddenly can be harmful.
Lifestyle in the weeks before
- Stop nicotine: stop smoking, vaping and nicotine replacement at least six weeks before; see smoking and cosmetic surgery.
- Stable weight: avoid crash diets and aim to be at a steady, healthy weight.
- Eat well: a balanced diet with enough protein supports healing.
- Keep active: regular walking improves fitness and circulation.
- Limit alcohol: reduce alcohol intake and avoid it in the days before surgery.
- Avoid sunburn: particularly over the area to be treated.
Practical planning
Arrange time off work: many people need one to two weeks for breast surgery, and longer for body contouring. Organise someone to drive you home and to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. If you have young children, plan help with lifting and childcare. Buy any recommended garments in advance, and prepare easy meals. At home, place everyday items at waist height, set up a comfortable space with extra pillows so you can rest propped up, and keep your medicines, water and phone within reach.
The day before and the morning of surgery
- Fasting: follow the hospital’s instructions exactly for when to stop eating and drinking.
- Showering: shower on the morning of surgery; you may be given an antiseptic wash.
- Skip products: avoid moisturiser, fake tan, make-up and nail varnish or gel nails, as they can interfere with monitoring.
- Jewellery: remove piercings and jewellery, and leave valuables at home.
- Clothing: wear loose, front-fastening clothing that is easy to put on after surgery.
- Bring: your medicines list, glasses rather than contact lenses, a phone charger and any garments provided.
After you get home
Rest, but walk gently around the house several times a day to help circulation. Take pain relief as advised and keep dressings clean and dry. Attend all follow-up appointments. Know the warning signs: contact the team urgently if one breast or area swells rapidly, the same day for fever or spreading redness, see a GP or call NHS 111 the same day for calf pain or leg swelling, and call 999 for chest pain or breathlessness. Breast augmentation costs from £8,500 and the £150 consultation is separate. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should preparation start?
Ideally at least six to eight weeks before surgery, particularly to stop nicotine, review medicines and plan time off.
Is it safe to drink alcohol before surgery?
It is best to limit alcohol in the weeks before and avoid it for at least a few days beforehand, as it can affect bleeding and anaesthesia.
Should vitamins be stopped before surgery?
Some supplements can affect bleeding. Bring a full list to your assessment and follow the team’s advice.
Why is nail varnish a problem?
Nail varnish and gel nails can interfere with the finger monitor that measures oxygen levels during anaesthesia.
Does someone need to stay overnight after discharge?
Yes. You should have a responsible adult with you for at least the first 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.
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