Preparing for your surgery

The preparation timeline

Surgery needs preparing for. These instructions repeat those Dr Médard de Chardon and the anaesthetist give you in consultation; they do not replace the personalised instructions you are given for your procedure.

Several weeks before

Cooling-off period

A minimum of 15 days separates the handing over of the quote for a cosmetic surgery procedure from the procedure itself. This period is set by law.

Anaesthetic consultation

It is compulsory and takes place at least 48 hours before the procedure; it is valid for 1 month. There, the anaesthetist chooses the type of anaesthesia with you and gives you the fasting and medication instructions. Anaesthesia in cosmetic surgery

Smoking

Stop completely at least one month before the procedure, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before, and for at least one month after. Patches and e-cigarettes containing nicotine also constrict the small blood vessels of the skin. Your GP, a smoking-cessation specialist or Tabac info service (39 89, the French stop-smoking helpline) can help you. Why stop smoking before cosmetic surgery?

The pill and contraception

Contraceptives containing an oestrogen (combined pill, patch, vaginal ring) increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (phlebitis). They are stopped, usually 4 to 6 weeks before, for the longest or most extensive procedures (tummy tuck, liposuction, body lift, breast reduction, thigh and arm lifts), and before any procedure if there is another risk factor. The progestogen-only pill, the implant and coils (IUDs) can be kept. While you are off the pill, use a condom. Should you stop the pill before cosmetic surgery?

Medication

Some treatments are adjusted before the procedure, in particular anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs and certain blood pressure medicines. Bring your prescriptions to the anaesthetic consultation; do not change any treatment without the anaesthetist’s advice.

The day before the procedure

• No waxing or laser on the area to be operated on in the 7 days before.
• Hair removal, if the surgeon asks for it: electric clippers or depilatory cream, never a bladed razor, whose tiny cuts can become infected.
• First antiseptic shower, with the prescribed soap (Betadine Scrub, unless you are allergic): nails cut and free of varnish, make-up removed, jewellery and piercings taken out; lather from top to bottom, paying particular attention to skin folds and the navel, then rinse thoroughly.
• Clean pyjamas and clean sheets.

The day of the procedure

• Fasting: no more solid food 6 hours before the procedure; clear fluids (water, tea, black coffee without milk) are allowed until 2 hours before, unless the anaesthetist instructs otherwise.
• Second antiseptic shower, at home or at the clinic if you were admitted the day before.
• No moisturiser or make-up, on the body or on the face.
• Compression stockings if they have been prescribed; bring the compression garment prescribed by the surgeon. How to prepare your skin before cosmetic surgery

After the procedure

• Going home: after day surgery, you leave accompanied, without driving yourself that day, and someone stays with you the first night.
• Walking: getting up and walking within the first 24 hours is part of preventing deep vein thrombosis.
• Smoking: do not start again for at least one month.
• The pill: restart at the beginning of a cycle, at least 15 days after you are back to normal walking and activity; the surgeon and the anaesthetist will tell you the date.
• Scars: they mature in about 12 months (from 6 months to more than 2 years depending on the person) and need some care during that time, including protection from the sun. Wound healing
• Follow-up: the instructions specific to each procedure (dressings, compression garment, return to activities and sport) are set out on its page and repeated in consultation; follow-up consultations are free of charge.

Frequently asked questions