Preparing for plastic surgery begins before the day of the procedure. Certain medications, supplements, weight-loss treatments, and lifestyle habits may affect anesthesia, bleeding, wound healing, or recovery.

For this reason, your surgeon and anesthesia team should know about everything you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbal supplements, and injections.

Do not stop a prescribed medication without instructions from your doctor.

Why Should You Tell Your Surgeon About Your Medications?

Some medications and supplements can interact with anesthesia or affect bleeding, blood pressure, blood clotting, or recovery.

Providing a complete and accurate medication history allows the medical team to develop appropriate preoperative instructions for you.

Weight-Loss Injections Before Plastic Surgery

Some medications used for weight management, including certain GLP-1 medications, can affect gastric emptying.

This may be relevant when anesthesia or sedation is planned. The appropriate plan can vary according to the medication, dose, symptoms, procedure, and anesthesia plan.

Always tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist the name of the medication, your dose, and when you last took it.

Smoking Before Plastic Surgery

Nicotine can constrict blood vessels and affect blood and oxygen supply to healing tissues.

Depending on the procedure and individual circumstances, patients may be instructed to stop smoking and other nicotine products for a period before and after surgery.

Birth Control Pills Before Surgery

Some estrogen-containing contraceptives can increase the risk of blood clots.

However, this does not mean every patient should automatically stop birth control before surgery. The decision depends on the type of contraception, procedure, individual risk factors, and medical history.

Your surgeon may recommend discussing alternatives with the appropriate healthcare professional when necessary.

Roaccutane / Isotretinoin Before Plastic Surgery

If you currently use or have recently used isotretinoin, inform your surgeon.

Recommendations may vary depending on the type of procedure, treatment history, and individual circumstances, so the appropriate timing should be determined by your medical team.

Supplements and Herbal Products Before Surgery

A product being described as “natural” does not necessarily mean it is irrelevant to surgery.

Certain herbal products and supplements may influence bleeding, blood pressure, or interact with medications used during a procedure.

Provide your medical team with a complete list of supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you use.

What Should You Do Before Plastic Surgery?

Before surgery, prepare a complete list of your prescription and non-prescription medications, supplements, vitamins, and doses. Tell your medical team about nicotine use and any weight-loss medications or injections.

Most importantly, do not stop medications based solely on general information online. Follow the personalized instructions provided by your surgeon and anesthesia team.