Preparing for your Surgery
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- Preparing for your Surgery
We strongly urge all our patients to read through these recommendations when planning your surgery and travel arrangements. Should you have any specific queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
Planning Your Journey
Your itinerary – take note of the following:
You should plan to arrive in Cape Town at least 5 days before your intended surgery. To facilitate adequate recuperation and a comfortable return journey, we recommend you remain in Cape Town for 1-3 weeks after surgery (see below). The suggested duration of your stay should be confirmed with us before making your flight reservations. Here are our suggestions:
- Eyelids: 10 – 14 days
- Facelift / Signature procedures: 3 – 4 weeks
- Labiaplasty: 10 – 14 days
General Pre-operative Instructions:
Ensure you have informed Dr Nerina Wilkinson of:
- Medical problems (consult your GP or a specialist where indicated)
- Allergies
- Medications/supplements/homeopathic treatments
There is a list of medications to avoid at least 2 weeks before surgery. The list will be provided during the consultation with the practice.
A few examples include:
- All Anti-inflammatories
- Any blood-thinning medication
- Homeopathic or herbal remedies
- GLP1/2/3
- Recreational Drugs
- Smoking – please note that 4-6 weeks of abstinence before and after surgery is mandatory.
Informed Consent
At your pre-operative consultation, ensure that all your questions are answered and that you are confident that you understand your procedure, the risks, and the likely post-operative course. The better prepared you are, the easier it will be.
You should be clear on the outcome, duration of recovery, side effects, and risks. If not, ask!
Preparation
Ensure that you have prepared your home and your family to ease your first few days of recovery, i.e. Food, transport, and entertainment. REMEMBER: we do have a more structured post-operative care plan available (accommodation, transfers, nursing, supervision, postoperative treatments, etc); you would, however, need to make arrangements with our highly trained post-operative care team before surgery. You will find more information regarding our highly recommended post-operative care facility details here.
Day Of Your Surgery:
- After any sedation procedure, you may not drive for 24 hrs – please arrange transfers to and from The Cosmetic Surgery Institute (TCSI)
- Ensure you are aware of your admission time
- You will be advised if you need to be nil per mouth before surgery
- Wash yourself with the anti-bacterial soap provided
- Avoid applying any product to your face, body & hair
More About
The Recovery Process

Where do I go – Post Surgery Accommodation

