Things to avoid before plastic surgery
Khushi | Oct 22, 2025, 13:06 IST
Precautions
( Image credit : Freepik )
Before undergoing plastic surgery, it is crucial to know what to avoid to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Consuming alcohol or fatty foods before surgery can increase the risk of bleeding, swelling, and slow recovery. Similarly, high sodium foods and vitamin E should be avoided as they can worsen bruising and delay healing. This guide explains all the essential do’s and don’ts before surgery from dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments to preparing your home and recovery space. With proper preparation, you can experience a smoother surgery and a faster, more beautiful recovery.
Highlights
- Alcohol makes your blood thin which is risky for your health.
- Include balanced diet to recovery beautifully.
- Salty foods causes bloating and swelling.
- Not using vitamin E on your scars.
- Making a recovery plan for oneself for your comfort.
Plastic surgery can be complicated if we are not aware of the do's and don'ts. Before undergoing surgery, one must be fully aware and prepared of what to avoid before surgery, and hence the procedure, can be a lot smoother and beneficial for you. Below is the full guide on what to avoid before surgery.
Side Effects Of Alcohol Before Surgery
![Alcohol]()
Drinking alcohol before undergoing a surgery can be risky as it may cause significant health risks before and after the surgery. Here is why:
Alcohol is basically blood thinner, it interferes with your clotting process, this may lead to excessive bleeding during the operation, which can result in more bruising, longer surgery times and a need for blood transfusions.
Alcohol can have a negative reactions with the prescribed medications and antibiotics, causing nausea drowsing or even life threatening respiratory issues.
If you drink heavily do not just abruptly stop drinking as it can cause severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Talk to your doctor to cut down.
Fatty Foods To Avoid
![Red Meat]()
Foods high in saturated fat, like red meat and full fat dairy, are best avoided in the days leading up to surgery. By avoiding all these processed, salty and fatty foods you're giving your body time to heal properly and beautifully.
Focus on clean and balanced diet during this period rich in protein, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and a plenty of water.
Salty Foods That Makes You Bloat
![Bloating]()
Foods rich in excessive sodium can actually can cause swelling and bloating. While it is normal to have swelling post surgery, starting off already bloated can make post-op swelling worse and delay healing.
Some examples to avoid:
Why Topical Vitamin E Is Discouraged
Vitamin E can cause excessive bleeding, it is recommended to stop taking vitamin two weeks before the surgery. Also, talk with your healthcare professional about vitamin E use if you're about to have or you just had a procedure to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart, called angioplasty.
In some cases, vitamin E actually worsened the cosmetic appearance of scars. It is advisable to consult a doctor before applying anything on your scars they can best recommend what to do and what not to do.
Make Recovery Plan For Speedy Recovery
![Comfortable]()
Making everything comfortable before surgery is very important for you as it can make a lot of thing easier after surgery, as someone who is alone it can be be really hard to do your daily routine post surgery.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Side Effects Of Alcohol Before Surgery
Alcohol
( Image credit : Freepik )
Drinking alcohol before undergoing a surgery can be risky as it may cause significant health risks before and after the surgery. Here is why:
Alcohol is basically blood thinner, it interferes with your clotting process, this may lead to excessive bleeding during the operation, which can result in more bruising, longer surgery times and a need for blood transfusions.
Alcohol can have a negative reactions with the prescribed medications and antibiotics, causing nausea drowsing or even life threatening respiratory issues.
If you drink heavily do not just abruptly stop drinking as it can cause severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Talk to your doctor to cut down.
Fatty Foods To Avoid
Red Meat
( Image credit : Freepik )
Foods high in saturated fat, like red meat and full fat dairy, are best avoided in the days leading up to surgery. By avoiding all these processed, salty and fatty foods you're giving your body time to heal properly and beautifully.
Focus on clean and balanced diet during this period rich in protein, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and a plenty of water.
Salty Foods That Makes You Bloat
Bloating
( Image credit : Freepik )
Foods rich in excessive sodium can actually can cause swelling and bloating. While it is normal to have swelling post surgery, starting off already bloated can make post-op swelling worse and delay healing.
Some examples to avoid:
- Packed foods like salty chips, pretzels and salted nuts
- Processed meats like ham, beacon and sausages.
- Instant foods such as noodles, packed soup etc.
Why Topical Vitamin E Is Discouraged
Vitamin E can cause excessive bleeding, it is recommended to stop taking vitamin two weeks before the surgery. Also, talk with your healthcare professional about vitamin E use if you're about to have or you just had a procedure to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart, called angioplasty.
In some cases, vitamin E actually worsened the cosmetic appearance of scars. It is advisable to consult a doctor before applying anything on your scars they can best recommend what to do and what not to do.
Make Recovery Plan For Speedy Recovery
Comfortable
( Image credit : Freepik )
Making everything comfortable before surgery is very important for you as it can make a lot of thing easier after surgery, as someone who is alone it can be be really hard to do your daily routine post surgery.
- Stock up your pantry with essential groceries before surgery so you do not need to go out after surgery.
- Setting up a comfortable space for your self, placing all the items within arms reach such as pillows, blankets etc.
- Before surgery clean yourself properly as after surgery it can be hard to do.
- Follow the doctors prescriptions very seriously for speedy and healthy recovery. In case of any emergency or difficulty consult your doctor immediately.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I detox my body before surgery?
Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and artificial additives. Consider a gentle cleanse using natural supplements or juices. However, avoid any extreme detox diets, especially close to your surgery date. - What is the happy juice they give you before surgery?
This “Juice” is typically a mixture of 2 different medications. One is an antihistamine (similar to Benadryl) and is used in most mixtures. The name of this medication is Hydroxyzine. The other medication will either be Valium, Versed (similar to Valium but more common with younger children), or Demerol. - How do they wake you up from anesthesia?
They wake you from anesthesia by stopping the anesthetic medications, allowing the drugs to wear off and your body to gradually return to consciousness. Medical staff monitor your vital signs and breathing throughout this process and, if you had a breathing tube, it is removed once you are breathing on your own.