Procedure prep
Fasting Before Plastic Surgery
Plastic and cosmetic surgery under general anesthesia or deep sedation needs standard fasting — plus extra attention to smoking and supplements.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Saurabh Shukla, MBBS, DNB Anesthesiology
· Last updated June 2026
Fasting for this procedure
Stop solid food and milk about 8 hours before, a light meal about 6 hours before, and clear liquids about 2 hours before your hospital arrival time.
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- GLP-1 (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) — tell your team. See the GLP-1 guide.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water and which to hold.
- Blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, high-dose turmeric) are usually stopped about a week before to reduce bruising and bleeding.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Very high blood pressure or blood sugar
- You ate or drank outside your fasting window
- A skin infection or breakout near the surgery site
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A written list of all your medicines and doses
- Any blood tests, ECG, or scans your team asked for
- Consent forms or referral letters, and allergy details
- A responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will I have general anesthesia, spinal/regional, or sedation?
- Which medicines do I take or hold on the morning of surgery?
- When can I eat and drink afterward?
- Will I go home the same day, and who can drive me?
- How long before surgery should I stop smoking and nicotine?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I fast before plastic surgery?
Usually solids stop about 8 hours before and clear liquids about 2 hours before your hospital arrival time, since most cosmetic surgery uses general anesthesia or sedation.
Why does smoking matter before plastic surgery?
Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which raises the risk of poor wound healing and tissue loss after cosmetic surgery. Surgeons usually ask you to stop for several weeks.