A successful aesthetic surgery process is not limited to the day of the operation. For a safe procedure, natural results and smooth recovery, preoperative preparation and postoperative care are just as important as the surgery itself.
In this guide, you will find comprehensive information about what to pay attention to before surgery, the healing process, scar care, warning signs, and realistic expectations.
Preparing your body and environment reduces the risks of anaesthesia, bleeding and infection.
Swelling control, scar care and activity planning significantly improve long term aesthetic outcomes.
Understanding the process and timeline reduces anxiety and helps build realistic expectations.
Medical assessment:
Share all medications, allergies, past surgeries and health conditions with your surgeon.
Stopping smoking and nicotine:
Quitting at least 4 weeks before surgery and avoiding nicotine afterwards improves circulation and speeds up healing.
Medication adjustments:
Blood thinners, certain painkillers (NSAIDs) and herbal supplements (ginkgo, St. John’s wort etc.) may need to be stopped temporarily.
Nutrition and hydration:
Protein rich diet, adequate fluid intake, low salt and limited alcohol are recommended.
Light exercise:
Walking improves circulation; intense workouts should be stopped shortly before surgery.
Skin preparation:
Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding antiseptic showers and skin cleansing.
Logistics:
Arrange a companion for the day of surgery and help at home for the first 48–72 hours
Prepare pillows, loose clothing, compression garments, medications, a thermometer and other essentials
Make sure your follow up appointments and communication plan are clearly scheduled
Fasting: For general anaesthesia, eating and drinking are usually stopped 6–8 hours before surgery.
Marking and consent: The surgeon clarifies the goals, marks the areas and obtains informed consent.
Anaesthesia briefing: The anaesthesiologist explains the type of anaesthesia and monitoring process.
Waking up: After surgery, you will rest in the recovery room, where initial monitoring and care are provided.
Rest and positioning: Keeping your head or the operated area elevated reduces swelling.
Pain control: Use prescribed medications exactly as instructed; avoid unapproved painkillers.
Cold application: If recommended by your doctor, cold compresses can help with swelling (never apply ice directly to the skin).
Light walking: Helps reduce the risk of blood clots and supports circulation.
Nutrition: Light, low salt meals; avoid alcohol and smoking.
Dressings: Keep dressings clean and dry; do not alter them outside your surgeon’s instructions.
These time frames may vary depending on the procedure and the individual; your surgeon’s specific instructions always take priority.
Time Frame / Possible Situation / What You Can Do
Return to work:
7–14 days for desk-based jobs; longer for physically demanding work.
Exercise:
Start with slow walks and gradually increase intensity after 4–6 weeks, as advised.
Driving:
Do not drive while under the effect of strong painkillers or sedatives.
Travel:
Staying in Istanbul long enough for follow ups is important (usually 7–10 days).
After returning to your country, have a clear communication plan in case of potential complications.
Keep your operation reports and clinic contact details with you.
Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience:
Early communication can resolve most issues before they become serious.
Early postoperative swelling can temporarily distort the result — avoid judging the outcome in the first weeks.
Mood fluctuations after surgery, especially between days 3–7, are common.
Final results, particularly after rhinoplasty or major body-contouring procedures, usually take 6–12 months to fully settle.
Use prescribed medications exactly as directed.
Avoid nicotine and alcohol in the early healing period.
Only take supplements with your surgeon’s approval; some can increase bleeding risk.
The duration of aesthetic surgery varies depending on the scope of the procedure. For example, rhinoplasty typically takes around 1.5–3 hours, while a combined BBL + tummy tuck can take approximately 4–6 hours. In suitable candidates, multiple procedures can safely be performed in a single session. This allows patients to recover through a single healing period and achieve more harmonious overall body contours.
Recovery times differ according to the type of procedure, but most patients are able to return to office-based work or social activities within 1–3 weeks. It may take several months for all swelling to resolve completely and for the final result to become fully visible. Your surgeon will share a personalised recovery plan with you based on the specific procedure you undergo.
Every surgical procedure leaves some degree of scarring; however, these scars usually fade significantly over time. Incisions are typically placed within natural skin folds or in less visible areas whenever possible. With proper wound care, sun protection and the regular use of silicone-based products as recommended, the visibility of scars can be minimised.
For most procedures, a stay of 7–10 days is recommended. During this period, postoperative check-ups are performed, sutures or splints are removed, and the early phase of healing is monitored. For larger combined surgeries, this timeframe may be extended. Our clinic organises treatment + accommodation + transfers for patients travelling from abroad.
The results of aesthetic surgery are generally long-lasting. However, factors such as ageing, lifestyle, weight fluctuations and sun exposure can influence the outcome over time. Maintaining a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle and attending regular follow-up visits can help preserve your results for many years.
