Before you travel

Before you leave home:

  • Ensure that you are healthy. Go to your GP for a check up, including blood pressure and haemoglobin.

  • Eat sensibly to achieve your ideal weight.

  • Do moderate exercise, involve a personal trainer if possible.

  • Live a healthy lifestyle.

  • Avoid smoking especially 2 weeks prior to and after surgery.

  • Avoid aspirin-containing medication for 2 weeks prior to surgery. Aspirin can increase bleeding.

  • Avoid the oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy for one month prior to surgery as this increases the risk of leg clots.

  • Avoid any medication or substance, including vitamins (vit E) and homeopathic treatments, which can affect the clotting of your blood.

  • Avoid arnica until about 2 days post-operatively.

  • Bring sunglasses and a scarf for face surgery; loose fitting clothes for body surgery.