Deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery is a significant step that deserves careful attention and thorough preparation. The outcome of any procedure — whether a rhinoplasty, an abdominoplasty, or a facelift — depends as much on the surgeon’s skill as on the patient’s preparation beforehand.
In this guide, Dr. Brianda Hurtado de Mendoza walks you through everything you need to know and do before your operation so that the experience is safe, comfortable, and leads to the fastest possible recovery.
| 💡 Dr. Brianda’s advice:
Proper preparation reduces the risk of complications, shortens the recovery period and significantly improves the final result. Think of it not as a formality, but as an essential part of the whole process. |
1. The Pre-Operative Consultation: Your Starting Point
Everything begins with one or more consultations with your plastic surgeon. At Dr. Brianda’s Málaga clinic and Marbella clinic, this first visit includes:
- A full assessment of your general health and medical history.
- A discussion of your expectations and the realistic results the procedure can achieve.
- A detailed explanation of the procedure, anaesthesia and associated risks.
- A request for pre-operative tests: blood work, ECG, and in some cases X-rays or ultrasounds.
Questions to ask during the consultation:
- How long does the surgery take, and what type of anaesthesia will be used?
- How many days will I need off work?
- When can I resume exercise and normal activity?
- Are there any specific risks for my particular case?
2. Pre-Operative Tests and Blood Work
Before any procedure performed under anaesthesia, an up-to-date medical report is essential. The most common tests include:
- Full blood count: haematology, coagulation, biochemistry and renal function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): to assess cardiac health prior to general anaesthesia.
- Chest X-ray: for patients over 40 or with a history of pulmonary conditions.
- Specific coagulation study: especially important for patients taking blood thinners.
These tests must be carried out no more than 30 days before the scheduled surgery date.
3. Medication: What to Take and What to Avoid
Some common medications and supplements can interfere with surgery and anaesthesia, increasing the risk of bleeding or other complications.
Medications and supplements to stop (as instructed by your doctor):
- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin (at least 10–14 days before).
- Oral anticoagulants: only under strict medical supervision.
- Supplements such as omega-3, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo biloba and ginseng (can increase bleeding).
- SSRI antidepressants: always consult your doctor; never stop them on your own.
Medication that may continue or be prescribed beforehand:
- Paracetamol / acetaminophen: an approved painkiller in the pre-operative period.
- Prophylactic antibiotics: Dr. Brianda may prescribe these in certain cases to prevent infection.
| ⚠️ Important:
Never stop or alter your regular medication without consulting Dr. Brianda and your GP first. This guide is for general reference only and does not replace personalised medical advice. |
4. Diet and Healthy Habits
Your nutritional status directly affects how well you heal and recover. These are the general dietary recommendations for the weeks leading up to surgery:
What to eat:
- Quality protein (chicken, fish, legumes, eggs) to support tissue repair.
- Fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Plenty of water to maintain good cellular hydration.
What to avoid:
- Alcohol (at least 2 weeks before): interferes with anaesthesia and promotes bleeding.
- Ultra-processed foods and high-sodium products: increase inflammation.
- Extreme restrictive diets: this is not the time to lose weight aggressively.
The evening before your operation you will need to fast for at least 6–8 hours. Your medical team will give you the exact timing.
5. Smoking: Why You Must Quit
Smoking is one of the factors that most compromises wound healing and increases the risk of post-operative complications. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen supply to the tissues.
- Ideally, stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery and do not resume until 4 weeks after.
- This includes e-cigarettes, roll-ups and nicotine patches in the 24 hours before the procedure.
6. Skincare Before Surgery
Skin in good condition leads to cleaner, faster healing. Certain aesthetic medicine treatments can be very beneficial in the weeks before surgery, while others must be avoided:
Recommended before surgery:
- Intensive moisturisation of the area to be treated.
- HydraFacial to cleanse and oxygenate the skin (at least 2 weeks before).
- Daily SPF sunscreen.
To avoid in the weeks before:
- Intense sun exposure or UV tanning sessions.
- Treatments involving strong acids, retinoids or aggressive peels.
- Laser hair removal on the operative area.
7. Organise Your Recovery: Practical Aspects
Preparing your environment before the operation is just as important as the medical aspects. These are the logistical details you should have sorted in advance:
- Companion: you will need someone to drive you to and from the clinic.
- Time off work: plan your absence well in advance (varies depending on the procedure).
- Comfortable clothing: prepare loose, easy-to-put-on garments for the day of surgery.
- Rest area: set up your bed or sofa with extra pillows to maintain the required position.
- Medication and ice packs: have everything ready for the first 48 hours.
- Prepared meals: cook or order easy-to-eat food for the first few days.
8. The Day of Surgery: What to Bring and What to Expect
What to bring to the clinic:
- ID or passport and insurance/health card.
- Report of your pre-operative tests.
- Updated list of medications you regularly take.
- Loose, comfortable clothing to wear home.
- No make-up, nail polish or jewellery.
What to expect at the clinic:
- Reception and preparation by the nursing team.
- A final consultation with Dr. Brianda to confirm the surgical plan.
- Administration of anaesthesia and start of the procedure.
- Recovery in the post-operative room and discharge when your condition is stable.
9. The First Hours and Days: Managing the Recovery
The immediate post-operative period is a critical phase. By following Dr. Brianda’s instructions to the letter, your recovery will be far more manageable:
- Take all prescribed medication on time, even if you are not in pain.
- Respect the rest periods in the first few days; do not exert yourself even if you feel fine.
- Apply cold packs (never directly on the skin) to reduce swelling if instructed to do so.
- Attend all scheduled post-operative check-ups.
- Ask any questions directly to the clinic; avoid searching symptoms on the internet.
Each procedure has its own specific recovery guidelines. Find out more about the treatments we offer in our body surgery and breast surgery sections.
Conclusion: Preparation Is Part of the Result
A well-planned cosmetic surgery begins long before you enter the operating theatre. Looking after your diet, following medication guidance, preparing your home environment and arriving at the operation in the best possible shape are all factors that make a real difference to scarring, recovery and the final outcome.
If you have any questions about how to prepare for your procedure, Dr. Brianda’s team will be delighted to guide you at our Málaga clinic or our Marbella clinic. Book your consultation and take the first step with complete confidence.
