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 on Harley Street, London, we 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 assessment — This may include blood tests, ECG, and other investigations as required by your surgeon and anaesthetist
• Disclose your full medical history — Include all conditions, previous surgeries, and current symptoms, even those that seem unrelated
• Provide a complete medication list — Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Some may need to be adjusted or stopped.
• Stop smoking — This 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 allergies — Including reactions to medications, anaesthesia, latex, dressings, or tape

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Begin a healthy diet — Focus 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 hydrated — Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily
• Start gentle exercise — If 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 consumption — Begin 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 supplements — Blood-thinning effect
• Vitamin E — Can increase bleeding
• St Johns Wort — Interacts with anaesthetic agents
• Ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, ginseng — All have blood-thinning properties
• Green tea extract — In 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 work — The 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 transport — You 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 home — Particularly if you have children, pets, or physical responsibilities that may be difficult during early recovery
• Begin preparing your recovery space — A 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 advance — Batch cook and freeze soups, smoothies, and soft foods. You may not feel like cooking during the first week of recovery.
• Complete any strenuous household tasks — Cleaning, laundry, garden work. Get these done before surgery so you are not tempted to overexert during recovery.
• Arrange childcare and pet care — For at least the first few days of recovery

Mental and Emotional Preparation

• Review your expectations — Re-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 journey — It 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 navigate these feelings.
• Have your surgeons contact details to hand — Knowing you can reach your surgical team if needed provides reassurance.

1 Week Before Surgery

• Stop alcohol completely — Alcohol thins the blood, impairs immune function, and can interact with anaesthesia and post-operative medications
• Stop strenuous exercise — Switch to gentle walks only
• Confirm your surgery date, time, and location — Know exactly where you need to be and when
• Prepare what you will wear on the day — Loose, comfortable clothing with front fastenings. Avoid jewellery.
• Have a trial run of getting to the clinic — Factor in traffic and parking, especially in central London
• Fill any prescriptions — Ensure you have all prescribed post-operative medications ready at home

The Night Before Surgery

• Follow fasting instructions precisely — You 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 bathe — Use an antibacterial soap if provided. Remove all makeup, nail polish, and body lotion.
• Do not shave the surgical area — Unless specifically instructed by your surgeon
• Pack a small overnight bag — Even 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 sleep — If 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 instructions — Take any medications you have been told to take with a small sip of water
• Shower using antibacterial soap — Do not apply deodorant, perfume, moisturiser, or makeup
• Remove all jewellery — Including piercings, rings, and watches
• Do not wear contact lenses — Bring glasses instead
• Leave valuables at home — Bring only essentials
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing — With front fastenings where possible
• Arrive on time — Allow 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

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

Book your surgical consultation at our Harley Street 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.