Depending on the specific procedure, you should be advised of any preoperative preparations that are normally required. These can include blood tests, X rays, and a general physical examination.

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor about anything that concerns you about getting prepared. Not only will this help you with actual preoperative precautions and preparations, but it will also give you the comfort of having done everything possible to prepare yourself: this will result in a good frame of mind for the surgery.

Almost always you will be required to pose for detailed photographs, which become a permanent part of your medical file. This provides an accurate picture of the way you were before the operation, something the notes that are made on your chart during the consultation cannot adequately describe.

Aspirin should not be ingested for at least two weeks before the surgery because it interferes with blood clotting. Incidentally, some doctors prescribe vitamins; and while giving vitamins to a healthy person on a well-balanced diet has never proved to be of value, (except for antioxidants) they won't be harmful either. Many doctors recommend that a relatively large amount of vitamin C be taken beginning a few weeks before the operation - at least 2000 mg. per day -- 1000 mg. in the morning and 1000 mg. in the evening as it can help wound healing and poosibly help reduce the amount of black and blue. This is actually a good idea even if you never have surgery.

The night before the surgery you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. Be sure that transportation is arranged for your trip home if the surgery is being done in the office.