Dismiss Modal

Management

Preparing for Plastic Surgery

Choose a preferred language

As with any type of surgery, you will need to get ready for plastic surgery. What you need to do will depend on the type of surgery you have. It also depends on the type of anesthesia being given. Discuss the following with your healthcare provider or surgeon before your procedure:

  • Ask the surgeon to explain the benefits, risks, and expectations of the procedure.

  • Discuss what type of anesthesia will be given. Find out what recovery time is expected.

  • Tell your healthcare provider of any medicines (over-the-counter or prescription) you are currently taking. This includes vitamins, minerals, or supplements.

  • Tell them about any past procedures, history of chronic illnesses, or allergies you may have.

  • Tell your provider if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

  • Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery.

  • Stop smoking or using any nicotine products (including vaping) as instructed. You may need to stop a few weeks before the procedure.

  • Follow any directions for bathing, shaving, or cleaning before the surgery.

  • Discuss any instructions that need to be followed after surgery. This might include changing dressings, taking certain medicines, or making follow-up appointments. Buy any needed supplies. Fill your prescriptions ahead of time.

  • Don't wear makeup the day of surgery. This includes nail polish.

  • Don't wear contact lenses the day of surgery.

  • Leave valuables and jewelry at home.

  • Advise the medical staff if you have dentures or other prosthetic devices.

  • Arrange all insurance coverage before surgery. Many insurance carriers don't cover many types of plastic surgery procedures, especially cosmetic procedures.

  • Arrange a ride home after your procedure.

Featured in

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location

Related Services

General Surgery Center

Related Articles
Read article
Surgery
Types of Skin Conditions Treated with Laser Surgery

Detailed information on the most common types of skin conditions, including laser surgery for skin conditions

Read article
Heart Health
Endovenous Laser Varicose Vein Surgery

Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery is a procedure that uses heat from a laser to reduce varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins that often happen on the thighs or calves. A laser is a device that sends a thin beam of radiation in the form of light.

Read article
Surgery
Tummy Tuck

In a tummy tuck procedure, excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened.

Read article
Surgery
Skin Graft Surgery

A skin graft is a piece of healthy skin (graft) that is moved from 1 part of your body to another. If you have a large wound, a skin graft can help close it. This allows the wound to heal. Or a skin graft can be used to treat a scar (a mark left after a wound has healed).