Preparing for Plastic Surgery: What Not to Do

When planning procedures such as a facelift in Turkey, breast augmentation in Turkey, breast lift in Turkey, or rhinoplasty in Turkey, many patients focus primarily on choosing a surgeon and clinic. However, an equally important stage is proper preparation before surgery.
Even modern plastic surgery techniques cannot eliminate risks if a patient does not follow preoperative recommendations. In this article, we will discuss what should категорically be avoided before plastic surgery and why it is important from a medical perspective.
Why Preoperative Preparation Is Critically Important
Any surgery is a form of stress for the body. During a surgical procedure, complex physiological processes are triggered:
- inflammatory response
- changes in the blood clotting system
- activation of the immune system
- tissue regeneration
If the body is not properly prepared, this may lead to:
- bleeding
- anesthesia-related complications
- slow healing
- formation of rough scars
- infections
That is why, before procedures such as rhinoplasty in Turkey or a facelift in Turkey, doctors provide strict recommendations.
If you are planning plastic surgery, we also recommend watching a video on how to properly prepare for plastic surgery.
1. Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications
One of the key restrictions is avoiding medications that affect blood clotting.
These include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- anticoagulants
- certain supplements (omega-3, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba)
Why is this dangerous?
These substances reduce platelet aggregation, which can lead to:
- excessive bleeding during surgery
- hematomas
- impaired tissue healing
👉 Discontinuation is usually required 10–14 days before surgery (as advised by your doctor).
2. Do Not Smoke
Smoking is one of the main risk factors for complications in plastic surgery.
Medical fact:
Nicotine causes vasoconstriction and reduces oxygen delivery to tissues.
Possible consequences:
- tissue necrosis
- wound dehiscence
- delayed healing
- poor surgical results
This is especially critical for:
- facelift in Turkey
- breast lift in Turkey
👉 It is recommended to stop smoking at least 2–4 weeks before surgery.
3. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol affects multiple systems in the body:
- reduces blood clotting
- impacts liver function
- interacts with anesthesia
Possible risks:
- bleeding
- unstable reaction to anesthesia
- increased swelling
👉 Avoid alcohol at least 7–10 days before surgery.
4. Do Not Ignore Chronic Conditions
Before surgery, it is essential to stabilize all chronic diseases.
Why is this important:
- diabetes affects wound healing
- hypertension increases bleeding risk
- hormonal imbalances can affect outcomes
Before procedures such as breast augmentation in Turkey or rhinoplasty in Turkey, proper medical evaluation is always required.
👉 Hiding medical information from your doctor is a serious mistake.
5. Avoid Strict Dieting
Many patients try to “prepare” by rapidly losing weight.
Why is this dangerous:
- protein deficiency slows tissue regeneration
- lack of vitamins impairs healing
- weakened immune system
Scientific fact:
Protein is essential for collagen synthesis — the main building material of tissues.
👉 Your diet should be balanced.
6. Avoid Overexertion
Before surgery, it is important to avoid:
- intense workouts
- physical exhaustion
- sleep deprivation
Why:
The body should be in a recovery state, not under stress.
Lack of sleep affects:
- immune function
- hormonal balance
- healing speed
7. Avoid Sun Exposure
Before procedures such as rhinoplasty in Turkey or a facelift in Turkey, it is important to stay out of direct sunlight.
Reasons:
- increased skin sensitivity
- risk of pigmentation
- impaired healing
👉 Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before surgery.
8. Avoid Aggressive Cosmetic Procedures
Before surgery, the following are not recommended:
- chemical peels
- laser treatments
- injections
Why:
The skin should be calm and not irritated before surgery.
9. Do Not Eat or Drink Before Surgery
This is one of the strictest rules.
Why:
During anesthesia, there is a risk of aspiration of stomach contents.
👉 Do not eat or drink 6–8 hours before surgery.
10. Do Not Ignore Your Doctor’s Instructions
Each patient receives individual preoperative instructions.
Common mistakes:
- “I already know everything”
- ignoring medical advice
👉 Even minor violations can affect the final result.
Preparation for Different Types of Procedures

Facelift in Turkey
Requires special attention to skin condition and strict avoidance of smoking.
Breast Augmentation in Turkey
Hormonal balance and overall health must be monitored.
Breast Lift in Turkey
Strict adherence to recommendations is crucial to prevent complications.
Rhinoplasty in Turkey
Special attention is given to the respiratory system and absence of inflammation.
Conclusion
Preparation for plastic surgery is the foundation of a successful result. Whether you are planning a facelift in Turkey, breast augmentation in Turkey, or rhinoplasty in Turkey, following your doctor’s recommendations will help you:
- reduce risks
- speed up recovery
- achieve an aesthetically optimal result
Want a personalized pre-surgery preparation plan?
Leave a request on the Globalmedik website — and our specialists will help you choose the right clinic in Turkey, create an индивидуальный preparation plan, and support you at every stage of your treatment.