The weeks before surgery matter almost as much as the operation itself. Patients who prepare well tend to heal more smoothly, feel calmer on surgery day, and avoid last-minute stress. This four-week pre-op checklist walks you through what to do and when, whether you are planning a tummy tuck, a Brazilian butt lift, a mommy makeover, or another procedure with Dr. Nidia De Jesus in Miami.

This guide is general education. Your own pre-operative instructions from Dr. De Jesus always take priority over anything here.

Why a Structured Pre-Op Plan Matters

Surgery is a team effort between you and your surgeon. Dr. De Jesus, a board-certified plastic surgeon, can control the operating room, but the days before and after depend on you. A clear timeline keeps your health optimized, your logistics handled, and your expectations realistic.

A good plan also protects your recovery. At our practice, recovery means coming into the clinic every day during business hours, roughly eight hours a day, where you receive a surgeon exam, lymphatic massage, and IV therapy. Because that routine is built into your first week, planning your travel, lodging, and companion early makes everything run smoothly.

Week 4: Four Weeks Before Surgery

Complete your consultation and medical clearance

Confirm your surgical plan during your consultation, ask every question you have, and review your quote. If you are traveling from out of state or abroad, our team can help you coordinate a virtual consultation first. Our guide on how to choose a plastic surgeon in Miami lists useful questions to bring.

Dr. De Jesus may request lab work, an EKG, or a clearance letter from your primary care doctor, depending on your age and health history. Schedule these now so there is time to address anything that comes up.

Review your medications and supplements

Make a complete list of everything you take: prescriptions, vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter products. Tell the surgical team about all of it. Certain items can increase bleeding or interact with anesthesia, so you will receive a specific list of what to stop and when.

Stop nicotine

Nicotine in any form, including cigarettes, vaping, patches, and gum, restricts blood flow and is strongly linked to poor wound healing. Most surgeons ask for at least four weeks nicotine-free before and after surgery. Starting this week gives your body the best chance to heal.

Book travel and lodging

If you are coming to Miami, book flights and your stay now. Many patients stay at the Best Western directly behind our office, which keeps your daily clinic visits short and simple, and a free airport shuttle is available. See our comparison of plastic surgery in Miami and other destinations for planning context.

Week 3: Three Weeks Before Surgery

Choose your companion

You will need a family member or friend with you for the first several days after surgery. They help you stand, walk, manage medications, and get to and from the clinic. Confirm their availability and make sure they can travel with you. Our travel companion guide explains the role in detail, and if you are considering going solo, read traveling alone for plastic surgery first.

Arrange time off and childcare

Talk to your employer about time away. Most patients plan one to two weeks off for desk work and longer for physical jobs. If you have young children, line up help with lifting, carrying, and bath time. This is especially important for mommy makeover patients, who often return home to a full household.

Plan your finances

Confirm your payment schedule and any financing you plan to use. Our plastic surgery financing guide covers options, and mommy makeover financing goes deeper for combined procedures.

Set up your home recovery space

Prepare a spot with extra pillows, a wedge or recliner if you will sleep elevated, clean bedding, and easy access to the bathroom. Move everyday items to waist height so you are not reaching or bending.

Week 2: Two Weeks Before Surgery

Stock your recovery supplies

Buy or confirm the essentials: your compression garments if your surgeon has recommended specific ones, loose front-closing tops, slip-on shoes, gentle unscented soap, and simple snacks. Our packing checklist covers what to bring to Miami.

Stock your kitchen

Nutrition supports healing. Fill the fridge with protein, fiber-rich foods, and plenty of fluids. Read our guide to eating after plastic surgery for specifics, and prepare a few easy meals you can reheat.

Keep your body in good shape

Maintain a stable, healthy weight. Crash diets right before surgery can leave you depleted. Stay hydrated, walk daily, and aim for consistent sleep. Light exercise is fine until your surgeon says otherwise, and our timeline on exercise after plastic surgery explains how activity returns afterward.

Avoid sun damage and skin irritation

Sunburn, tanning, and skin irritation at the surgical site can delay your date. Use sunscreen and avoid waxing or shaving near the treatment area unless instructed.

Week 1: The Final Seven Days

Follow the stop-list exactly

This is when most medication restrictions apply. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinning products, as well as supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, and herbal teas that your surgical team has flagged. Acetaminophen is typically the preferred option for discomfort, but confirm with the office first.

Limit alcohol

Stop alcohol several days before surgery, and plan to avoid it while taking prescribed medications afterward.

Confirm logistics

Verify your arrival date, shuttle pickup, hotel check-in, and pre-op appointment. Charge your phone, download any entertainment, and set up a shared calendar with your companion so appointments are easy to track.

Pre-wash and pack

Shower with the soap your surgeon recommends. Remove nail polish from at least one finger, since the pulse oximeter needs a clean reading. Pack loose clothing, your ID, medication list, and chargers.

The Day Before and Surgery Morning

Follow your fasting instructions precisely. Typically that means nothing to eat or drink after midnight, though your instructions will state the exact timing. Do not wear makeup, lotion, jewelry, or contact lenses. Wear something loose and comfortable that is easy to put on afterward. Have your companion drive or accompany you, and bring only what you need.

Get a good night’s sleep if you can. It is normal to feel nervous. Trust the preparation you have done and the team caring for you.

What Recovery Looks Like Once You Are Prepared

After surgery, you will come to the clinic every day during business hours for roughly eight hours. Dr. De Jesus personally sees you every day, and your included care covers seven lymphatic massages, seven IV therapy sessions, and daily surgeon exams. You then rest at your nearby hotel or home with your companion. Having your supplies, travel, and support arranged in advance means you can focus entirely on healing. For a full overview, visit our plastic surgery recovery page.

Quick Pre-Op Checklist Summary

• 4 weeks out: consultation, labs and clearance, medication review, quit nicotine, book travel.
• 3 weeks out: confirm companion, arrange time off and childcare, finalize payment, set up recovery space.
• 2 weeks out: buy supplies, stock food, stay healthy, protect your skin.
• 1 week out: follow the stop-list, skip alcohol, confirm logistics, pack.
• Day before: fast as instructed, shower, rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start preparing for plastic surgery?

Ideally four weeks ahead. That gives you time for labs, medication adjustments, quitting nicotine, and arranging travel and your companion.

Do I really need to quit smoking or vaping before surgery?

Yes. Nicotine in any form reduces blood flow and raises the risk of healing problems. Most surgeons require a nicotine-free window before and after surgery.

Which medications should I avoid before surgery?

Blood-thinning products such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements are commonly restricted. Dr. De Jesus’s team will give you a personalized list, so never stop prescription medication without guidance.

Do I need someone with me after surgery?

Yes. A companion is needed for the first several days to help you move safely, manage medications, and get to your daily clinic visits.

Where do patients stay while recovering in Miami?

Many stay at the Best Western directly behind our office, with a free airport shuttle. You come to the clinic daily during business hours and rest at your hotel afterward.

Start Your Preparation with Dr. De Jesus

Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with Dr. Nidia De Jesus, MD, and our team will build a personalized preparation plan around your procedure and travel needs. Call (305) 600-3736 or email info@nidiadejesusmd.com. We are located at 51 SW 42nd Ave STE 105, Miami, FL 33134.

Individual results and recovery vary. This article is not a substitute for medical advice.