Surgery day is just one part of the journey. The steps you take beforehand can make a big difference—helping everything go more smoothly and setting you up for a safer, easier recovery.
At Appleby Plastic Surgery, we’re here to guide you through it. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about preparing for your procedure.
Preparing for Plastic Surgery
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Pre-Operative
Checklist —
Stop smoking or vaping at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery. Avoid alcohol in the 2 weeks leading up to your procedure—it helps speed up recovery and reduce risks.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions about what to pause. This usually includes blood thinners, NSAIDs, and certain supplements.
Fill any prescriptions before surgery day so you can head straight home and rest.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
If you’re receiving general anesthesia or sedation, don’t eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery, unless your surgeon says otherwise.
Prepare Your Home
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Set up a quiet space where you can rest.
Keep essentials (phone, water, remote, chargers) within arm’s reach.
Freeze a few ice packs in advance.
Consider dry shampoo or sponge baths if you won’t be able to shower.
Make sure pets and kids are cared for elsewhere during the early recovery window
Even awake procedures can require
more downtime than people expect.
Here are a few ways to make your space recovery-ready:
What to Wear on Surgery Day
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You’ll be given a surgical gown when you arrive.
Don’t wear makeup, lotion, perfume, or nail polish. Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Choose loose, comfy clothing—ideally a zip-up or button-up top.
a
Smoother
Recovery
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- Review your personalized pre-op instructions
- Fill any required prescriptions early
- Prep your home and your support team
- Reach out if anything’s unclear—we’re happy to help
We’ll walk you through the recovery process, too.
Visit our Post‑Operative Care page to learn what to expect, from timelines to tips and when to get in touch.
Steps
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Focus on the positives: you’ve made an informed decision, and you're in expert hands.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before, and avoid doom-scrolling or late-night research rabbit holes.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous—we’re here to answer questions and keep you informed.