Preparing for Aesthetic Surgery: Smoking, Medication and Nutrition

In aesthetic surgery the course of healing does not depend only on what happens in the operating room; the preparation made in the weeks beforehand also plays an important part. Smoking, regularly used medication and eating habits are topics that directly affect the surgical plan. This article looks at preoperative preparation in general terms, for informational purposes.

What does the preoperative assessment cover?

During the examination, general health, previous operations, known conditions, allergies and regularly used medication are reviewed. Blood tests and further investigations are requested where necessary; in some cases an anaesthetist assessment or the opinion of another specialty may be needed. The purpose of these steps is to establish whether the planned procedure is suitable for the person.

Smoking: why are you asked to stop?

Substances in cigarette smoke can narrow small blood vessels and reduce the blood flow reaching the tissue. Since healing after surgery is closely linked to the oxygen and nutrients delivered to the tissue, smoking is associated with an increased risk of delayed wound healing, infection and scar problems. For this reason doctors ask that smoking be stopped for a certain period before and after surgery.

The period requested varies with the type of procedure and the individual; a span of several weeks is usually discussed. Electronic cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products are considered in the same context. If you are finding it difficult to stop, it is important not to keep this from your doctor so that planning can be done safely.

Medication and supplements

Medicines with a blood-thinning effect, certain painkillers and regularly used prescription treatments are assessed separately before surgery. Herbal products and vitamin supplements are part of this assessment as well; being natural does not mean being without effect, and some can influence the tendency to bleed.

The most important rule here is this: no medication should be stopped or changed on your own initiative. Bringing a list of all the medicines and supplements you use to your appointment allows your doctor to decide which should be paused, and when, and which should be continued. If you have a chronic condition, contact with the doctor treating it may also be needed.

Nutrition, weight and general preparation

During recovery the body needs more protein, vitamins and minerals. Balanced and sufficient nutrition before surgery, attention to fluid intake and, where possible, avoiding weight fluctuations are therefore generally recommended. Severely restrictive diets are not appropriate in this period; if you are planning a change in your eating pattern it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Sleep patterns, reducing alcohol intake and regular light activity are also part of preparation. Details concerning the day of surgery, such as the fasting period, which medicines to take that morning, when to arrive at the hospital and having someone accompany you on the way home, are communicated separately by your doctor and the clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before surgery should smoking be stopped?

The period varies with the type of procedure and the person health status; doctors generally ask that smoking be stopped several weeks before surgery and avoided throughout recovery. Your doctor states the exact period after an examination.

Should I stop my medication myself?

No. The decision to pause or continue medication belongs to the doctor. You need to report all prescription medicines, painkillers, herbal products and vitamin supplements you use during your appointment.

Is a special diet applied before surgery?

Balanced and sufficient nutrition is generally recommended rather than a special diet. A different suggestion may be made according to your personal situation; that assessment is made during the examination.

For more detailed information you can visit the Face and Neck Lift page, and reach us through the contact page for an assessment.

This article is for informational purposes; a medical examination is required for diagnosis and treatment.