If you are planning to undergo plastic surgery, preparing properly before the procedure is just as important as the surgery itself.

Pre-operative fasting, medications, smoking, alcohol consumption, and your overall health can all directly affect the safety of anesthesia, surgical outcomes, and your recovery.

Proper preparation before plastic surgery is essential for a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Be sure to inform your medical team of any underlying medical conditions, allergies, and all medications or supplements you are taking. Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your surgeon. Follow the required fasting instructions, avoid alcohol and smoking before surgery, remove all gel nail polish and jewelry, and wear comfortable clothing on the day of your procedure. It is also recommended to shower before arriving, wear glasses instead of contact lenses if needed, avoid driving yourself home after surgery, and bring a valid photo ID. Following these pre-operative instructions helps improve surgical safety, reduces anesthesia-related risks, and supports a faster, smoother recovery..

Should I tell my surgeon about my medical conditions before surgery?

Yes. Before undergoing plastic surgery, you should inform your surgeon about any current or previous medical conditions.

Please let us know if you have any of the following:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Diabetes

• Thyroid disease

• Cardiovascular disease

• Asthma

• Anemia

• Psychiatric disorders

Even if your condition is mild or well controlled, it is important to disclose it so your surgical plan can be tailored safely.

Please also inform your medical team if you have:

• Drug or anesthesia allergies

• A history of heart, lung, liver, kidney, or brain surgery

• Previous chemotherapy treatment

• Implanted medical devices such as a pacemaker, implantable defibrillator, or cochlear implant

• Cold symptoms, fever, cough, or phlegm before surgery

What should I do about my medications before surgery?

Please inform your surgeon about all medications and dietary supplements you are currently taking.

Certain medications and supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, including:

• Aspirin

• Plavix (Clopidogrel)

• Effient (Prasugrel)

• Omega-3 supplements

• Vitamin E

• Red ginseng

• Herbal medicine

• Oral contraceptives

Do not stop taking any prescribed medications on your own.

Whether a medication should be discontinued—and when—depends on your individual medical condition. Always follow your surgeon's instructions.

Blood pressure medication

Blood pressure medications are generally taken on the morning of surgery with a small sip of water unless instructed otherwise.

Diabetes medication

Diabetes medications are usually not taken on the day of surgery, as taking them while fasting may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Wegovy® and Mounjaro®

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Wegovy® and Mounjaro® can delay stomach emptying, increasing the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.

Please consult your surgeon, as these medications may need to be discontinued for at least two weeks before surgery.

Why is fasting before surgery so important?

Patients undergoing surgery under sedation or general anesthesia should fast for at least six hours before surgery.

This includes:

• Food

• Water

• Gum

• Candy

• Caramel

Fasting helps prevent aspiration, a serious complication in which stomach contents enter the airway during anesthesia.

For your safety, please follow the fasting instructions provided by your medical team.

We also recommend avoiding alcohol for at least one week before surgery, as alcohol may increase bleeding risk.

Please avoid overeating the night before your procedure

Why should I remove gel nail polish and jewelry before surgery?

During surgery, a pulse oximeter is attached to your finger to continuously monitor your oxygen saturation.

Gel nail polish or nail coatings may interfere with accurate monitoring, so please remove them before your appointment. If complete removal is difficult, please remove the polish from at least one or two fingernails.

All metal accessories—including necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, and watches—should also be removed before surgery.

What should I wear on the day of surgery?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and remove, such as:

• Button-up shirts

• Cardigans

• Zip-up jackets

• Front-button tops

Please avoid turtlenecks or tight-fitting clothing.

For your trip home after surgery, you may also find it helpful to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, or a scarf.

When should I visit the hair salon before surgery?

If you are planning a facelift or forehead lift, it is recommended to have your hair cut, colored, or permed 3–4 days before surgery.

Hair coloring or perming is generally not recommended for about one month after surgery.

Please avoid coloring or perming your hair on the day before surgery, as these treatments may irritate the scalp.

Should I shower before coming to the hospital?

Yes. Please shower thoroughly before arriving for surgery to help reduce the risk of infection.

Depending on your procedure, you may not be able to shower for one or two days afterward.

If you are having breast, underarm, or arm surgery, underarm hair removal is recommended.

If you normally wear contact lenses, please wear glasses instead on the day of surgery.

Patients undergoing eyelid surgery should remove eyelash extensions before surgery.

Why can't I drive myself home after surgery?

Most plastic surgery procedures are performed under sedation.

Because sedatives can temporarily impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, driving after surgery is unsafe.

If possible, have a family member or friend accompany you. Otherwise, please use a taxi or public transportation.

Why do I need to bring a photo ID?

Under the revised Korean National Health Insurance Act, medical institutions are required to verify each patient's identity before providing medical services.

Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as:

• Passport

• Driver's license

• National identification card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I drink water before surgery?

No. Please do not eat or drink anything, including water, during the fasting period instructed by your surgeon.

Should I take my blood pressure medication on the day of surgery?

In most cases, yes. Take it with a small sip of water unless your surgeon instructs otherwise.

Should I take my diabetes medication on the day of surgery?

Generally, no. Diabetes medications are often withheld on the day of surgery to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia while fasting.

When should I stop taking Wegovy® or Mounjaro®?

GLP-1 medications may need to be discontinued before surgery. Please consult your surgeon for personalized instructions.