As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, part of my job is helping patients understand how to prepare for plastic surgery before, during, and after their procedure. If you’re considering facial plastic surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, or traveling in for surgery, the steps you take ahead of time can make your entire experience smoother. Here are my top 4 tips to prepare.
#1. Start With a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy, nutritious diet before and after your plastic surgery is beneficial for healing and recovery. Your body will need all the nutrients it can get to heal properly, especially protein, iron, and healthy fats. This is not the time to skimp on calories, so enjoy lots of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean sources of protein, including fish, chicken, and low-fat beef. We also recommend adding healthy fats to your diet by incorporating plenty of nuts and oils.
Some supplements can increase bleeding risk or interfere with anesthesia. Bring a complete list of medications and supplements to your surgeon and follow their guidance on what to stop and when. For example, high-dose fish oil/omega-3s may increase bleeding risk in some situations.
You should avoid alcohol for at least 1 to 2 weeks before surgery (and during your early recovery), since it can increase complication risk and slow healing. Be sure to ask your surgeon about caffeine: many patients are advised to cut back to support hydration and stable blood pressure, especially as you get close to surgery day.
As surgery approaches, prioritize hydration and limit prolonged sun/heat exposure—both can make swelling feel worse during early healing, especially in a climate like Arizona’s.
#2. Exercise
While strenuous activity is not recommended for a few weeks after surgery, some light exercise can be beneficial before and after your procedure. Exercise promotes blood circulation and brings oxygen to the organs. The key is to take it slow and not push yourself.
Don’t start a brand-new exercise regimen or engage in activities that put you at risk for injury. Instead, work to maintain your current fitness level and be patient with yourself as you ease back into your normal routine.
#3. Quit Smoking
You already know smoking is bad for you, and it’s also bad for your surgery and recovery. The surgical risks for smokers are much greater than for nonsmokers, and it’s recommended that you stop smoking as soon as possible (at least 4 weeks) before your procedure.
Smoking reduces blood flow, which slows your recovery and makes you more prone to infection. Smokers who undergo surgery are more likely to need a ventilator after surgery and are more at risk for developing pneumonia than nonsmokers.
Because smoking increases your baseline cardiovascular risk, it can raise the risk of heart-related complications in the perioperative period (before and after surgery), especially in higher-risk patients.
#4. Make a Pre-Surgery Shopping List
Many of my Scottsdale-area clients find it helpful to make a shopping list of things they’ll need during their recovery before their surgery. Items such as magazines, DVDs, frozen meals, moisturizing skin wipes, extra clothing, and cozy socks can come in handy when you don’t feel well enough to be out and about.
Also consider adding a water bottle, easy high-protein snacks, and a wedge pillow or extra pillows (especially helpful after facial surgery to keep your head elevated).
Avoid items that require a lot of attention to detail and expect to fall asleep about halfway through your favorite show (pain medication can be strong, especially the first couple of days). Be cautious with any “laugh out loud” comedies early on in your recovery—you’ll want to lie still and rest as much as possible.
Your Pre-Op Checklist
2–4+ weeks before
- Confirm your procedure date, pre-op appointment, and post-op follow-ups
- Arrange a ride home and a responsible adult to stay with you the first night (if required)
- Stop nicotine (including vaping/patches/gum) per your surgeon’s timeline
- Tell your surgeon about all medications + supplements you take (bring a list)
- Plan your time off work + key commitments (meetings, travel, events)
1–2 weeks before
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions on what to stop (certain meds/supplements) and when
- Avoid alcohol per your surgeon’s guidance
- Pick up any prescriptions and post-op supplies ahead of time
- Set up a simple recovery area: pillows/wedge, clean linens, chargers, tissues, easy lighting
- Stock easy foods: high-protein options + hydration (soups, yogurt, protein shakes, electrolytes)
3 days to 24 hours before
- Confirm your transportation plan and any required check-in times
- Do laundry, prep meals, and put frequently used items at waist level
- Review your post-op instructions and restrictions (lifting, exercise, showering)
- Plan to limit sun/heat exposure right after surgery (skip long outdoor time, hot yoga, etc.)
Night before
- Follow fasting instructions exactly (food/drink cutoffs)
- Shower as directed; avoid applying lotions/makeup if instructed
- Pack a small bag: ID, paperwork, button-up shirt, lip balm, glasses case
Day of surgery
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing (front-zip/button-up is easiest after facial procedures)
- Leave jewelry/valuables at home
- Bring your medication list + any required forms
- Arrange a calm, low-stress return home (no errands)
Home setup (nice-to-have items)
- Water bottle + straw (if approved), gauze/soft wipes, ice packs (if approved), thermometer
- Entertainment that doesn’t require focus (podcasts/audiobooks)
- Extra pillows/wedge to help elevation (often helpful for sleeping after facial surgery)
Additional Tips
It may also be helpful to search your facial plastic surgeon’s website for other resources regarding your procedure or recovery, such as guidance on your patient journey or travel support if you are visiting Scottsdale from out of town.
Your doctor’s before-and-after photo gallery can also give you a good idea of your surgeon’s level of skill and what kind of results you can expect. Additionally, procedure pages and blogs can provide you with information about your surgeon’s personal surgical approach and philosophy.
Get Started
To learn more about Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery or how I can help you meet your cosmetic goals, request a consultation using the online form or call my office at (480) 214-9955.
This blog post was originally published in January 2019 and has been updated for 2025.
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