How to Prepare for Cosmetic Surgery: A Patient’s Checklist

Last updated: 5 March 2026

Preparation is the foundation of a successful outcome

Whether you are planning a facelift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, or any other cosmetic surgical procedure, thorough preparation is one of the most important factors in achieving the best possible result. Proper pre-operative preparation can reduce your risk of complications, speed up your recovery, and help you feel calm and confident on the day of surgery.

At Axiom Aesthetics, clinics provide every patient with comprehensive pre-operative guidance tailored to their specific procedure. This general checklist covers the key steps most patients should follow in the weeks and days leading up to cosmetic surgery.

6 to 8 weeks before surgery

Medical Preparation

• Attend your pre-operative assessmentThis may include blood tests, ECG, and other investigations as required by your surgeon and anaesthetist
• Disclose your full medical historyInclude all conditions, previous surgeries, and current symptoms, even those that seem unrelated
• Provide a complete medication listPrescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Some may need to be adjusted or stopped.
• Stop smokingThis is one of the most critical steps. Smoking significantly impairs healing by reducing blood flow to the skin and tissues. Most surgeons require patients to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery. This includes vaping and nicotine patches.
• Discuss any allergiesIncluding reactions to medications, anaesthesia, latex, dressings, or tape

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Begin a healthy dietFocus on nutrient-rich foods that support healing: lean proteins for tissue repair, fruits and vegetables for vitamins and antioxidants, whole grains for sustained energy, and foods rich in zinc and vitamin C
• Stay hydratedAim for at least 2 litres of water daily
• Start gentle exerciseIf you do not already exercise, begin a moderate routine to improve your overall fitness and circulation. You will need to stop strenuous exercise closer to surgery.
• Limit alcohol consumptionBegin reducing your intake well before surgery

4 weeks before surgery

Medications and supplements to stop

Many common medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk or interact with anaesthesia. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance, but typically you will need to stop:

• Aspirin and ibuprofen (and other NSAIDs), These thin the blood and increase bruising and bleeding risk
• Fish oil and omega-3 supplementsBlood-thinning effect
• Vitamin ECan increase bleeding
• St Johns WortInteracts with anaesthetic agents
• Ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, ginsengAll have blood-thinning properties
• Green tea extractIn supplement form (moderate tea consumption is usually fine)

Important: Never stop prescription medications without consulting your surgeon or GP. Some medications such as blood pressure tablets, heart medication, or antidepressants may need to be continued or adjusted under medical supervision.

Practical Preparations

• Arrange time off workThe amount needed varies by procedure. Discuss the expected recovery timeline with your surgeon and plan accordingly. Most cosmetic surgery patients need 1 to 3 weeks off work.
• Arrange transportYou will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery. Arrange for someone to collect you and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
• Arrange help at homeParticularly if you have children, pets, or physical responsibilities that may be difficult during early recovery
• Begin preparing your recovery spaceA comfortable area with easy access to the bathroom, extra pillows for elevation, entertainment such as books and streaming services, and a bedside table for essentials

2 weeks before surgery

Home and recovery preparation

• Stock up on recovery essentials: prescribed medications including pain relief, antibiotics, and anti-nausea tablets; cold compresses or gel packs; arnica tablets and cream to help reduce bruising; gentle fragrance-free skincare products; lip balm as lips often become dry post-anaesthesia; loose comfortable clothing that opens at the front; button-up pyjamas or shirts; a neck pillow for travel and sleeping elevated; and bendy straws for drinking which are useful after facial surgery
• Prepare easy meals in advanceBatch cook and freeze soups, smoothies, and soft foods. You may not feel like cooking during the first week of recovery.
• Complete any strenuous household tasksCleaning, laundry, garden work. Get these done before surgery so you are not tempted to overexert during recovery.
• Arrange childcare and pet careFor at least the first few days of recovery

Mental and emotional preparation

• Review your expectationsRe-read the notes from your consultation. Ensure you have a clear, realistic understanding of what the procedure will and will not achieve.
• Prepare for the emotional journeyIt is completely normal to experience a range of emotions before and after surgery: excitement, anxiety, frustration during recovery, and eventually satisfaction. Knowing this in advance helps you understand these feelings.
• Have ya surgeon contact details to handKnowing you can reach your surgical team if needed provides reassurance.

1 week before surgery

• Stop alcohol completelyAlcohol thins the blood, impairs immune function, and can interact with anaesthesia and post-operative medications
• Stop strenuous exerciseSwitch to gentle walks only
• Confirm your surgery date, time, and locationKnow exactly where you need to be and when
• Prepare what you will wear on the dayLoose, comfortable clothing with front fastenings. Avoid jewellery.
• Have a trial run of getting to the clinicFactor in traffic and parking, especially in central London
• Fill any prescriptionsEnsure you have all prescribed post-operative medications ready at home

The night before surgery

• Follow fasting instructions preciselyYou will be given specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Typically, this is no food for 6 hours and no clear fluids for 2 hours before your anaesthesia time. Failure to fast correctly may result in your surgery being postponed.
• Shower or batheUse an antibacterial soap if provided. Remove all makeup, nail polish, and body lotion.
• Do not shave the surgical areaUnless specifically instructed by your surgeon
• Pack a small overnight bagEven if your surgery is day-case, include comfortable clothes for going home, prescribed medications, your phone and charger, and a light blanket for the journey home
• Try to get a good nights sleepIf you are feeling anxious, that is entirely normal. Some surgeons provide a mild sedative to take the night before.

The morning of surgery

• Follow your fasting instructionsTake any medications you have been told to take with a small sip of water
• Shower using antibacterial soapDo not apply deodorant, perfume, moisturiser, or makeup
• Remove all jewelleryIncluding piercings, rings, and watches
• Do not wear contact lensesBring glasses instead
• Leave valuables at homeBring only essentials
• Wear loose, comfortable clothingWith front fastenings where possible
• Arrive on timeAllow extra time for traffic and check-in procedures

Questions to ask before your surgery date

If you have not already covered these during your consultations, make sure to ask:

• What are the specific risks of my procedure?
• How long will the surgery take?
• What type of anaesthesia will be used?
• Will I need to stay overnight or is it a day-case procedure?
• What pain management will be provided?
• When can I shower or bathe after surgery?
• When can I return to work?
• When can I resume exercise?
• How many follow-up appointments will I need?
• What should I do if I experience a problem outside of clinic hours?
• Is there a 24-hour emergency contact number?

Your recovery: Setting yourself up for success

The preparation you do before surgery directly influences the quality of your recovery. Patients who follow their pre-operative instructions diligently, maintain a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking, and arrange appropriate support consistently achieve better outcomes and faster recoveries.

Remember: the goal is not just to get through surgery. It is to give your body the best possible conditions to heal beautifully.

We are with you every step of the way

patient care does not begin and end in the operating theatre. From your first consultation through to your final follow-up appointment, a clinical team is here to support you. Clinics provide detailed, procedure-specific preparation guides and a clinical team is always available to answer questions.

Book your surgical consultation at a clinic and let us guide you through every stage of your transformation.

Disclaimer: This article provides general pre-operative guidance and does not replace the specific instructions provided by your surgeon. Always follow the advice of your surgical team. Individual preparation requirements may vary depending on your medical history and the procedure being performed.