Guideline before surgery — what should I do?

• Medical consultation and documentation

  • Schedule a detailed consultation with your surgeon to discuss goals, procedure steps, risks, expected results, and recovery timeline.

  • Provide full medical history, including medications, supplements, allergies, prior surgeries, chronic conditions, and any bleeding disorders.

  • Bring recent lab results, imaging (if requested), and a list of current medications.

  • Follow any requested preoperative tests (blood work, ECG, imaging) and obtain medical clearance if your surgeon advises.

• Medications and supplements

  • Stop blood-thinning medications as directed by your surgeon and anesthesiologist (common examples: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, clopidogrel, warfarin). Do not discontinue prescription anticoagulants without specialist guidance.

  • Discontinue herbal supplements and vitamins that increase bleeding risk (e.g., fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng) as instructed—typically 1–2 weeks before surgery.

  • Continue essential prescription medications unless told otherwise; discuss how to take them on the day of surgery with small sips of water if needed.

  • Ask about preoperative antibiotics or other medications your team may prescribe.

• Lifestyle adjustments

  • Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery (ideally longer). Smoking impairs healing and increases complication risk.

  • Avoid alcohol for at least 48–72 hours before surgery; some surgeons recommend longer abstinence.

  • Maintain a healthy, balanced diet and adequate hydration in the weeks leading up to surgery.

  • If weight changes are planned, aim to reach a stable weight before elective procedures for better results.

• Fasting and day-of-surgery instructions

  • Follow your fasting instructions exactly (typical guidelines: no solid food for 6–8 hours and no clear liquids for 2 hours before anesthesia, but confirm with your team).

  • Arrange to stop wearing makeup, nail polish, jewelry, contact lenses, or dentures on the day of surgery.

  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to remove and put on; choose garments suitable for your procedure (e.g., front-opening shirts after breast surgery).

• Prepare your home and post-op care

  • Arrange transportation to and from the clinic/hospital — you cannot drive after anesthesia.

  • Plan for someone to stay with you for at least 24–48 hours after major procedures or as advised.

  • Prepare a comfortable recovery area with pillows, easy-to-reach items (phone, water, medications), and necessary supplies (dressings, ice packs, prescribed pain meds).

  • Stock up on soft foods, electrolyte drinks, and basic household items to avoid strenuous activity during early recovery.

• Preoperative hygiene and skin care

  • Follow instructions about showering and using antiseptic wash (chlorhexidine or antibacterial soap) on the night before and/or morning of surgery if advised.

  • Avoid applying lotions, perfumes, deodorant, or creams on the day of surgery.

• Manage chronic conditions

  • Ensure conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or thyroid disease are well controlled before surgery; follow perioperative instructions for medications and monitoring.

  • Bring inhalers, insulin, or other essential devices to the facility if instructed.

• Consent and expectations

  • Read and sign informed consent forms after you understand benefits, risks, alternatives, and possible complications.

  • Discuss realistic expectations, likely scars, and the timeline for final results.

  • Ask for before-and-after photos, and clarify revision policies and costs if outcomes differ from expectations.

• Financial and administrative preparation

  • Confirm costs, payment method, and what’s included in your surgical package (surgeon fee, anesthesia, operating room, implants, postoperative care, accommodation if applicable).

  • Verify arrival time, facility address, contact numbers, and what to bring on the day (ID, insurance card if used, list of medications).

• Mental preparation

  • Address anxiety by discussing concerns with your surgeon or coordinator; consider relaxation techniques, counseling, or support from family/friends.

  • Get adequate sleep in the nights before surgery.

• Final checklist 24–48 hours before surgery

  • Reconfirm fasting instructions and transportation.

  • Pack a small bag with ID, phone charger, comfortable clothes, essential medications, and prescribed postoperative items.

  • Remove nail polish and jewelry; ensure you follow pre-op bathing instructions.

  • Arrive at the facility at the scheduled time and report any new symptoms (fever, cold, skin infections) immediately — surgery may be postponed if you are unwell.

If you are travelling to Thailand for surgery with MedSanctuary, also:

• Confirm travel and accommodation arrangements included in your package and any airport transfer details.

• Allow time to recover before returning home;