Preparation timeline
In the weeks before your plastic surgery
During this stage, there are several important steps to take before your procedure. These recommendations cover medications, nicotine use, general health and other factors that can affect your surgery.
Medications to stop
Please avoid taking medications such as aspirin and other blood thinners, green tea, ginger and certain dietary supplements with vitamin E and fish oil for at least ten days before the operation. These substances can inhibit clotting and lead to increased bruising.
Nicotine
Try to reduce or stop using tobacco and other nicotine products at least four to six weeks before the procedure. You should also avoid it for at least four weeks after the procedure. Nicotine products impair blood flow to the skin, disrupt the healing process, and increase the risk of postoperative complications.
We do not perform certain procedures, including facelifts and major skin-tightening procedures, on smokers.
Alcohol and recreational drugs
Please be open about the use of alcohol and drugs, as these can pose risks when combined with plastic surgery procedures.
Micronutrients and collagen supplements
We often recommend specific micronutrients and collagen supplements in the weeks before and after surgery to support wound healing, collagen production, and recovery. Skinade® is a unique collagen-based drink containing marine collagen and other key ingredients designed to support skin health and the body's natural healing process.
Adequate sleep in the week before surgery
Try to get enough sleep in the week before surgery. Adequate sleep contributes to optimal preparation for the procedure and supports your health and the recovery process afterwards.
Illness in the week before surgery
Please let us know immediately if you notice any signs of a cold or infection in the week before your procedure. This is important to avoid possible complications. It may be necessary to postpone the procedure to ensure your safety and the success of the operation.
Shaving and epilation
To avoid infections in the surgical area, you should not shave or epilate in the week before the procedure. This helps to avoid skin irritation and possible entry points for germs that could lead to infections during surgery.
The day of surgery
Preparing for the day of surgery
As your procedure gets closer, the focus shifts from long-term preparation to a few final, practical steps on the day itself.
Eating and drinking before surgery
Be sure to follow the specific instructions about what and when you can eat and drink before your scheduled surgery. These guidelines vary depending on the type of procedure and the anaesthesia method used.
It is important to follow these guidelines exactly to avoid complications during the operation and to ensure safe treatment.
Hygiene the morning of surgery
On the morning of your surgery, take a thorough shower. Do not wear makeup, moisturiser, lotion or perfume, as these can affect skin preparation before surgery.
Jewellery and piercings
Remove all jewellery before arriving for your procedure, including rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. If you have piercings, replace metal jewellery with plastic retainers where appropriate, or remove them completely before surgery. This helps ensure your safety during the procedure.
What to wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your procedure. If possible, choose clothing that fastens at the front, such as a shirt or jacket with buttons or a zip, as this is often easier to put on and remove after surgery.
Transport home
Arrange your transport home before the day of your procedure. If you are having general anaesthesia, sedation or any procedure that affects your ability to drive safely, you should not drive yourself home. You may also need a responsible adult to accompany you and stay with you for the first 24 hours. We will let you know if this applies to your procedure.
Common questions
FAQ
At least ten days before the operation. Also stop green tea, ginger, vitamin E and fish oil supplements.
Your surgeon will generally recommend starting collagen supplements six weeks before surgery and continuing for four weeks afterwards. Skinade® is a high-quality collagen supplement that also contains omega-3 fatty acids, so it should be stopped ten days before surgery and restarted three days afterwards.
At least four to six weeks before, and at least four weeks after. Certain procedures such as facelifts and major skin tightening are not performed on smokers.
Let us know immediately. The procedure may need to be postponed for safety.
Follow the specific instructions provided for your scheduled surgery. These vary by procedure and anaesthesia method.
No. After eyelid surgery, general or twilight anaesthesia, you should not drive for 24 hours. An adult should accompany you for the first 24 hours.
