Use this checklist to stay organized from 6 weeks out through the morning of your surgery. This is a guideline and not every surgeon is the same. If you have questions, ask your surgeon and follow your doctor’s specific instructions. At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, we use a safety-first approach and clear pre-op planning so you’re not trying to figure this out at the last minute.

Quick takeaways

  • No nicotine (smoking, vaping, any nicotine products) for 6 to 8 weeks before and after elective surgery unless your surgeon specifically allows it.
  • Expect required lab work for surgical center safety (often CBC, CMP, HIV, Hep C).
  • 7 to 10 days before surgery: stop listed supplements and OTC meds that can increase bleeding/bruising.
  • 48 hours before surgery: stop listed cholesterol meds.
  • After midnight: nothing to eat or drink, including water, gum, or hard candy (unless told otherwise).
  • Dial antibacterial soap shower the day before and morning of surgery. No lotions, deodorant, or makeup.

Table of contents

6-8 weeks before your surgery

1) Stop smoking, vaping, and all nicotine products

Do not smoke, vape, or use any nicotine products for 6-8 weeks before and after elective procedures unless your surgeon specifically allows it. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and can cause serious healing problems. If quitting feels tough, tell your team early. This is one of the biggest “make surgery safer” steps you can take.

This matters for every cosmetic surgery procedure including tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, and Brazilian Butt Lift.

2) Talk to your physician about daily medications

Especially mention medications for:

  • Heart conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Blood pressure

Also bring up any over-the-counter items you use (even “once in a while” meds). Your pre-op visit is where you’ll get clear instructions on what to take the morning of surgery.

3) Plan your help at home

Most people feel groggy for the first day. Build your plan now:

  • A responsible adult to drive you home
  • Someone to stay with you for 24 hours
  • Childcare coverage if you have kids

Your pre-op visit

Bring a complete list of everything you take, including over-the-counter meds and supplements. This includes items like:

  • Aspirin, diet pills
  • Bufferin, Nuprin
  • Advil, Motrin
  • Vitamin E and other supplements

If your health changes or you start a new medication before surgery, notify your patient care coordinator or our office.

Labs and possible extra testing

A blood draw for lab work is required by the surgical center to support patient safety. Testing may include:

  • CBC
  • CMP
  • HIV
  • Hep C
  • Or other testing as required

Some patients may also need additional testing before moving forward, such as:

  • EKG
  • Mammogram
  • PCP medical clearance (Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin will tell you what applies to you.)

If you had labs or tests done outside our surgical center, bring copies with you on surgery day.

7-10 days before surgery

This is the part that surprises people, so put it in your calendar.

Ask your PCP about anticoagulants

If you take anticoagulants, ask your Primary Care Physician whether you should discontinue them before surgery. Examples include:

  • Aspirin, Warfarin, Coumadin
  • Plavix, Heparin
  • Ticlid, Lovenox

Stop these 7-10 days before surgery

Stop all:

  • Herbal medications
  • Vitamin E
  • Fish oil
  • Diet pills
  • Multivitamins
  • Aspirin
  • NSAIDs such as: ibuprofen, Advil, Nuprin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Naproxen

This especially applies for procedures that can involve more bruising and swelling, like liposuction and Lipo 360, as well as tummy tuck and BBL. If you have questions about meds, or anything changes, notify your patient care coordinator or our office.

48 hours before surgery

Stop all cholesterol medications 48 hours prior to surgery, including:

  • Lipitor
  • Zocor
  • Pravachol

If you have questions about meds, or anything changes, notify your patient care coordinator or our office.

At least 24 hours before surgery

Shaving (hair removal)

If there is hair on or near the area of surgery or possible incision sites (including pubic area), remove it at least 24 hours before surgery.

  • You may shave, wax, or thread
  • Do not shave the day of surgery (small nicks can let germs in)

Showering with Dial antibacterial soap

One day before surgery, wash thoroughly with Dial antibacterial soap, especially the surgical area(s).

  • Lather, then rinse very well (soap film can interfere with OR antiseptics)
  • Dry with a clean towel
  • Wear clean pajamas to bed

Repeat this shower the morning of surgery.

Do not use creams, lotions, powders, or deodorant. These can interfere with the solutions used to prep and sterilize your skin in the operating room.

Night before surgery

Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight, including water, for your safety unless you are told otherwise. This includes:

  • Water
  • Hard candy
  • Gum
  • Prescription medications (unless ordered by your physician)

You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow water.

If you want more details on anesthesia and fasting rules, review our Anesthesia FAQs.

Morning of surgery

Stop the morning of surgery

  • Diuretics (water pills)
  • Medications such as: benazepril, captopril, alapril, quinapril
  • Diabetes medication or insulin the morning of surgery
    (Your blood sugar will be checked at the surgical center and managed as needed.)

Take the morning of surgery (unless told otherwise)

Take heart medications and blood pressure medications with a sip of water, unless otherwise indicated by your physician.

Inhalers

Use prescribed inhalers and bring them with you to surgery.

Day of surgery: what to bring and what to wear

Bring

  • Picture ID
  • Insurance card and claim forms (if applicable)
  • A copy of lab work, EKG, chest X-ray (if done outside the surgical center)
  • Any forms requested by your physician
  • Your medication list/prescriptions with dosages (if you’re on medication)
  • An interpreter if you do not speak English (this person should stay until discharge)

Plan for prescriptions

Arrange for cash or a check to be held by your friend/family member waiting with you, in case a prescription needs to be filled before you are discharged.

Leave at home

  • Valuables, including jewelry and watches

Do not wear

  • Contact lenses
  • Makeup
  • Nail polish

Wear

  • Dark, loose, comfortable clothing
  • Something loose enough to fit over bandages
  • Slip-on shoes

Helpful car tip

We recommend you or your ride bring a shower curtain liner or thick beach towel in case you have drainage when getting in or out of your vehicle. This is recommended for body procedures like liposuction, tummy tuck, and BBL.

When to notify your surgeon

Notify your physician if you have any changes in your health, including:

  • Feeling sick, cough, fever, cold
  • Suspected pregnancy
  • Cuts, bruises, sprains, or injuries
  • Infections of any kind (skin, vaginal, urinary tract)
  • Dental issues or mouth sores

Your paperwork also notes that additional fees for laboratory, cancellation, and/or rescheduling may apply per your financial agreement.

Schedule your consultation at Chicago’s Breast & Body Aesthetics

Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics
467 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Call/Text: 312-846-1529

How far in advance do I really need to stop nicotine?

Your instructions are 6-8 weeks before and after elective procedures unless specifically allowed by your surgeon. Nicotine can seriously affect healing, so this one matters.

What if I forgot and took medication or a supplement?

Do not guess. Notify your patient care coordinator, nurse or our office so you can get safe, procedure-specific guidance.

Why do I need labs before surgery?

The surgical center requires lab work to support patient safety throughout the surgical process.

What should I wear on surgery day?

Dark, loose, comfortable clothing that can fit over bandages, plus slip-on shoes. Leave jewelry at home and skip nail polish and makeup.

What if I feel sick the week of surgery?

If you experiencing a cough, fever, cold symptoms, infections, and other health changes, you should notify your surgeon immediately.

Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. 
He also serves as the fellowship director and founder of an AACS-certified cosmetic surgery fellowship program, training other surgeons. American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin is board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). His training includes a general surgery residency (University of Illinois Chicago Metropolitan Group Hospitals) and a plastic and reconstructive fellowship (University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), and he holds hospital privileges locally.

Photo of Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS – Triple Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Truong specializes in advanced breast, body, and facial procedures, is a member of the elite Dr. Miami Squad, and serves as an Officer & Board Trustee for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

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