The weeks before surgery are worth using well. Patients who prepare properly tend to have a smoother experience, and much of that preparation is straightforward.
Smoking
If there is one thing I would emphasise above all others, it is this. Smoking constricts the small blood vessels that supply healing tissue, and it meaningfully increases the risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and problems with skin and tissue survival.
Stopping well before surgery, and remaining off cigarettes and vaping throughout recovery, makes a real difference. For some procedures I will not operate on a patient who is still smoking, because the risk is too high to justify. If you would like help stopping, your GP can assist and Quitline is available on 13 7848.
Medications and supplements
Bring a complete list to your appointment, including anything you take occasionally and anything bought without a prescription. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners, need careful planning around surgery, and several common supplements including fish oil and vitamin E can affect bleeding. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own initiative. We will give you specific instructions.
General health
Reasonable nutrition, adequate protein and good hydration all support wound healing. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, having it well controlled beforehand is worthwhile. If you are unwell in the days before surgery, tell us rather than pressing on.
Practical arrangements
- Arrange someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night.
- Organise time away from work realistically, allowing more than you think you will need.
- Consider help with children, pets, shopping and driving.
- Prepare things at home in advance: easy meals, loose clothing, pillows, and anything you might need within easy reach.
- Fill prescriptions before the day rather than after it.
Fasting
You will be given specific fasting instructions. Please follow them exactly. Eating or drinking outside those instructions is a genuine anaesthetic risk and will usually mean your procedure is postponed.
Expectations
Preparing mentally matters as much as the practical arrangements. Recovery is rarely a straight line. There are usually a few days of feeling worse before feeling better, and swelling and bruising follow their own timeline. Knowing this in advance makes it far less distressing when it happens.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Specific pre-operative instructions will be provided to you directly. All surgery carries risk.