Preparing for Plastic Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

The decision to undergo plastic surgery marks the beginning of a transformative journey — one that requires careful planning, dedication and support. While the prospect of achieving your goals is exciting, proper preparation plays a crucial role in maintaining your safety and achieving the best results. Understanding what to expect and how to prepare in the weeks leading up to your procedure also helps ensure your experience is smooth from start to finish.

At PURE Plastic Surgery, we believe that successful surgical outcomes begin long before you enter the operating room. Our commitment to patient education and safety drives us to provide detailed guidance throughout your preparation journey. Keep reading to learn more about what’s involved as you prepare for your procedure. With proper planning and our experienced team by your side, you can approach your surgery feeling confident and excited about each step.

Understanding Your Timeline

Your journey at PURE Plastic Surgery begins well before your surgery date. After your consultation with our team, we will provide you with detailed pre-op instructions to help you prepare for your procedure, giving you plenty of time to gain medical clearance, make necessary lifestyle changes and plan your visit to Miami. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect as your surgery date approaches. 

Pre-Op Phone Call (60 Days Before Surgery)

Our team will reach out to schedule a pre-op phone call about two months before your surgery. During this call, our pre-op department will provide you with your lab order and detailed instructions for the weeks ahead. This is an important step in your journey, so we ask that you take this call in a quiet place, ready to jot down notes and ask any questions you might have. 

Lifestyle Adjustments (Six Weeks Before Surgery)

Now is the time to optimize your health for the best possible outcome. If you smoke, vape or use any other nicotine products, you must quit at least six weeks before surgery and maintain cessation throughout your recovery. This includes avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, as nicotine can severely impact the healing process and increase the risk of complications. 

In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you should also focus on maintaining a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations can alter your surgical plan and impact your results, so aim to stay within 5 pounds of your consultation weight. If you're taking supplements or medications, our team will guide you on which ones to continue and which to pause.

Medical Clearance (Four Weeks Before Surgery)

Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP) about 30 to 45 days before your procedure. You’ll need to undergo standard medical tests — including blood work, an EKG and a chest X-ray — to be cleared for surgery, as well as a physical exam. Your doctor must send us a letter that clears you and specifies your risk level (low, moderate or high). 

Submit all medical documentation at least three weeks before your procedure. This timeline allows our team to review your results thoroughly and address any concerns. Remember not to book any non-refundable travel arrangements until you receive final clearance from our office!

Mental Preparation 

Mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness. Take time to visualize your goals and maintain realistic expectations about your results and recovery. Share your plans with close friends or family members who can support you during this transformative experience.

Create a recovery plan that includes time off work, childcare arrangements and help with daily tasks. Having these logistics sorted in advance helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on healing. Our team remains available to answer questions and address any concerns to help you feel confident and prepared for your procedure. 

The Week Before Surgery

The week before your surgery, feelings of excitement or nervous energy start to creep in. Channel these emotions into your final preparations by following your doctor’s pre-op instructions. From this point on, wash daily with Hibicleans or Dial antibacterial soap and start using Mupirocin 2% ointment in your nostrils to reduce the risk of infection after surgery.

We also recommend finalizing your travel plans (if you haven’t already) and stocking up with all the post-op necessities — bandages, over-the-counter pain relievers, loose-fitting clothing like dresses or robes, compression socks, stool softener, chuck pads, Gatorade or Pedialyte, etc. Our team will provide you with a list of must-haves and other helpful items.

Patient Supply Lists 

The Day Before Surgery 

The night before your procedure, you'll receive a message from our team with your surgery time. Clear your schedule and focus on preparing yourself mentally and physically for the next day. Remember not to eat or drink for at least eight hours before your surgery. If you take certain medications, such as blood pressure or thyroid medications, check with our team about whether to take them with a small sip of water the morning of surgery.

Take a final shower with your antimicrobial soap, but avoid washing your hair, as wet hair can lower your body temperature during surgery. Remove all jewelry, including piercings, and take off any nail polish so we can properly monitor your oxygen levels during surgery.

Pack minimally for your procedure. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring an extra pair of warm socks. If you're having breast surgery, choose a button-up or zip-front top for easy dressing afterward. Leave valuables at home or your hotel for safekeeping. 

Take this evening to relax and get adequate rest. While feeling nervous is natural, remember that you're in experienced hands. The team at PURE Plastic Surgery is with you every step of the way and has carefully prepared you for this moment. Your transformation awaits!

Pre-Surgery Dos & Don’ts

Aside from your pre-surgery timeline, there will be other considerations to keep in mind as you prepare for your transformation. Here are some essential dos and don’ts.

What to Do

Begin taking iron supplements at least 30 days before surgery to optimize your hemoglobin levels. The recommended regimen includes daily vitamin C, folic acid, Hema-Plex and Floradix, all available at your local pharmacy. Focus on eating balanced, nutritious meals and maintaining a stable weight, as fluctuations can affect your results.

Arrange for a responsible adult over 18 to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 48 hours. If you're traveling from out of town, we can help coordinate post-operative care and accommodations near our Miami office. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities!

What to Not to Do

Certain medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk during surgery. Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAIDs at least 30 days before your procedure. Natural supplements like vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, St. John's Wort and herbal teas should also be discontinued. If you need pain relief during this time, acetaminophen is a safe alternative.

Stimulants and some weight loss medications can interfere with anesthesia. Discontinue medications like phentermine, Adderall and Ritalin 30 days before surgery, as well as any “pre-workout” supplements. Weight loss injectables such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro should also be discontinued. Women taking hormonal medications should stop all forms of estrogen, including birth control, and use alternative contraception methods.

If you smoke, stop immediately. Nicotine can impair healing and cause wounds to separate, increasing the risk of scarring, cell death, blood clots and other complications. At the time of your surgery, there should be no nicotine present in your system, which will be confirmed via testing. If positive, your surgery will be rescheduled, incurring a $2000 rescheduling fee.

Visiting Us From Out of Town? 

If you’re traveling to Miami for your procedure at PURE, it will involve some additional planning. While local patients can recover at home, out-of-town patients need to stay in town for at least five to seven days after surgery for proper monitoring, ensuring a smooth and safe recovery.

Where to Stay

PURE Plastic Surgery partners with AC Hotel Miami Dadeland, conveniently located just minutes from our office. This luxury hotel offers special rates for our patients and provides a comfortable environment for your recovery. The hotel sits adjacent to Dadeland Mall, giving your caregiver easy access to restaurants, pharmacies and other amenities you might need.

Getting Around Miami

Arrange your transportation plans well in advance — you'll need a responsible adult to drive you to and from surgery. While they don’t need to stay at our facility during your procedure, they should be readily available when we call. While car services and ridesharing can be used to get to your pre and post-op appointments, they aren’t appropriate for post-surgery transportation. 

At PURE, we partner with AC Hotel at Dadeland Mall for your comfort and convenience. If you take advantage of our exclusive rates, your package also includes transportation services to and from your appointments. 

Returning Home 

Planning your return trip is just as important as arranging your arrival. Wait at least five days after surgery before traveling home, as early travel increases your risk of complications. When you do depart, plan for a slower journey than usual. If driving, stop every hour to take a short walk. For flights, book an aisle seat when possible and get up frequently to move around the cabin. These precautions help prevent blood clots and ensure a safe journey home.

Common Questions & Concerns 

Is the Recovery Process Painful?

Pain levels vary depending on your procedure and individual tolerance, but even moderate to severe discomfort can be managed. Your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate pain medication and provide detailed instructions for its use. Many patients find they can transition to over-the-counter pain relievers within a few days after surgery.

What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About?

While some swelling, bruising and discomfort are normal, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Contact our office and seek emergency help if you experience severe and unusual pain that does not subside, excessive swelling, fever over 101.5 degrees or any signs of infection. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance and address urgent concerns.

When Are My Follow-Up Appointments?

Your first post-operative check-in typically occurs within 24 hours of surgery, followed by another appointment at day five. These initial check-ups allow us to monitor your healing and adjust your recovery plan if needed. Additional follow-up appointments will be scheduled at specific intervals, usually at six weeks and three months, to ensure optimal results.

How Do I Take Care of My Incision Lines?

Gently clean your incisions with soap and water once cleared to shower. Don't apply any creams, ointments or natural remedies unless approved by your surgeon. Keep the area clean and dry, avoid direct sun exposure and don't remove any Steri-Strips — wait for them to fall off naturally. We will provide specific instructions for long-term scar care during follow-up visits.

Your Pre-Surgery Success Checklist

Print or copy this checklist and mark off items as you complete them. While our team will provide you with more detailed instructions relevant to your specific procedure, this checklist can help you stay on track and organized as you prepare for surgery. 

Six to Eight Weeks Out

• Schedule your pre-op phone call

• Stop using all nicotine products

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet to maintain your weight

• Start researching accommodations & travel arrangements 

One Month Before

• Complete lab work and gain medical clearance

• Begin iron supplement regimen

• Review & adjust medications with our team

• Confirm time off from work and other commitments
  

Final Week

• Finalize your travel plans

• Stock up on post-op necessities

• Fill all prescriptions

• Start cleansing with Hibicleans or Dial antibacterial soap

• Begin using Mupirocin 2% ointment as directed

• Arrange for transportation with a trusted friend or family member

The Day Before Surgery

• Do not eat or drink for at least eight hours before your procedure

• Remove all jewelry and piercings

• Lay out loose, comfortable clothing

• Pack your surgery day bag

• Relax! You’re in good hands :) 
  

Discover World-Class Care at PURE Plastic Surgery

The journey to a new you begins with proper preparation and the support of an experienced team. At PURE Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to ensuring you feel confident and prepared every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today by calling our office at 305-230-4326 or completing our online contact form. From your first visit to your final follow-up, you'll experience the difference that comes from choosing Miami's premier plastic surgery team.