How to prepare for surgery? A step-by-step guide.

Content author: Piotr Rak, MD, PhD, oncological surgeon · Editorial work: Editorial team of Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej · Medical review: Piotr Rak, MD, PhD · Date of creation: 07.08.2026 · Date of review: 07.08.2026 · Updated: 07.08.2026

The article is informative and describes the general principles of preparation for a planned procedure. Detailed recommendations - including medications, fasting and tests - are always provided by the qualifying doctor and take priority. Fever, infection, new ailments or doubts appearing before the procedure require contact with the clinic, not an independent decision.

The most important information at a glance

• You receive consents and documents in advance - read them at home and bring them completed.
• If anything in the documents raises doubts, clarify it before the procedure, not on the day of the procedure.
• Deliver tests performed outside our clinic no later than 5 days before the procedure.
• The booking fee confirms the date and guarantees that the treatment will take place.
• Shave the treatment site only if the doctor recommends it - and in the manner indicated by him.
• Do not apply anything to the skin in the treatment area: creams, lotions, self-tanners, make-up, oils.
• Comfortable clothes, no jewelry and no perfume.
• With local anesthesia, eat breakfast; separate recommendations apply for sedation or general anesthesia.
• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor - do not stop taking any on your own.
• If you are not allowed to drive after the procedure, please arrange for someone to accompany you.

Find out more about the specialist

Piotr Rak, MD, PhD, is an oncological surgeon at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk. He performs surgical procedures on an outpatient basis. I compiled this text from what patients ask most often - and from what often turns out to be overlooked on the day of surgery.

Meet Dr. n. med. Piotr Rak

Why is preparation important

A planned procedure is predictable. We know what will be done, how long it will take and what is needed to make it go smoothly. That's why preparation is not a formality - it is part of the procedure, but done by the patient a few days in advance.

Situations in which the procedure must be postponed usually have trivial reasons: missing test results, unsigned consent, cream applied to the skin in the morning, breakfast eaten despite the recommendation to fast, lack of an accompanying person. Each of them is avoidable - and each of them means a lost day for the patient and a postponement of the appointment.

That's why I prefer to say this at the beginning: reading this text will take less time than arranging a new date.

1. Documents and consents

Before the planned procedure, you receive a set of documents - consent forms and information about the procedure. You don't get them to sign on the fly when registering. You receive them in advance so that you can read them calmly at home.

What to do with them:

• read them in full, without rushing,
• fill in all the fields they apply to,
• write down your questions, if something is unclear,
• ask these questions before the day of the procedure - by phone or e-mail,
• bring the documents with you, completed.

The fourth point is the most important and I want to put it strongly. Consent signed in doubt is not informed consent. If you don't understand something, ask. There are no questions that are too obvious or too small, and an answer given a few days in advance is worth more than the same answer given ten minutes before the procedure, when it is more difficult to think about anything calmly.

Bring all documents together, even if it seems that some of them are unnecessary. The lack of one signed page can stop the entire treatment day.

2. Tests - deadline 5 days

When qualifying, you receive a list of tests required before the procedure. If you perform them with us, the result goes directly to the documentation. If you perform them elsewhere - , provide the results no later than 5 days before the planned procedure.

This term is not an administrative invention. It's about time to react. A result that deviates from the norm may mean the need to complete the diagnostics, consult another specialist, modify the treatment or - sometimes - postpone the procedure. If the result appears on the morning of the procedure, there is no time for any of these things.

Practically, this means one thing: do the tests in advance, not at the last minute. The laboratory may have a longer waiting time, the result may need to be repeated, and you may become ill. A week or two of supply solves all of these scenarios at once.

Also take your previous medical documentation with you, if you have it - information cards, descriptions of previous procedures, results of imaging tests. They can be important, even if they concern a completely different area of ​​the body.

3. Reservation fee

The date of the treatment is confirmed by the reservation fee. Its meaning is simple: booking a date means blocking the room, team and operator's time. The fee confirms that this time will be used.

For the patient, this means certainty that the procedure will take place on the agreed day - without the risk that the date will be forwarded to someone else. The rules regarding the amount of the fee, how to pay it and what to do in the event of a change of date are confirmed by registration.

If for any reason you cannot come - let me know as soon as possible. A date released in advance can always be communicated to someone, and this is in everyone's interest.

4. Shaving the treatment area

There is one rule: we shave only when the doctor recommends it - and as he recommends. This is not a mandatory element for every treatment and there is no need to do it "just in case".

If advised, follow the method and deadline indicated. This is of practical importance - shaving performed incorrectly or at the wrong time may leave minor skin damage, which is undesirable in the place where the treatment will soon be performed.

If you have any doubts whether your treatment requires it - ask during qualification or call. This question takes a minute.

5. Skin - do not put anything on it

On the day of the procedure, the skin in the operated area must be clean and dry. Nothing more. Specifically, this means: without creams, balms, oils, self-tanners, powders, make-up, deodorants in the treatment area and care preparations.

There are three reasons, all practical:

• Difficult disinfection - a layer of fat or cosmetics reduces the effectiveness of preparation of the treatment field.
• Difficult skin assessment — especially in the case of skin lesions, where makeup or self-tanner change the appearance of the area.
• Difficult to attach the dressing — oily skin does not hold the dressing material well.

Self-tanner deserves separate attention because it is often underestimated. It cannot be washed off before the treatment - you have to wait until it goes away. If you are planning a procedure, skip the self-tanner a few days in advance, and in the case of treatments for skin lesions, even longer.

Wash yourself in the morning as usual, with soap and water. That's enough.

6. Clothes, jewelry, perfume

Clothes: comfortable, loose, easy to take off and put on. One that won't pressurize the area after the treatment and won't be a pity if it gets dirty. It's worth thinking about how you will dress after the procedure - sometimes raising your arm above your head is uncomfortable for a few days.

Jewelry: leave at home. Everything - rings, earrings, chains, watch, piercings. It's not just about the treatment area. Jewelry can be an obstacle during some procedures, and it is simply safer at home than in the locker room.

Perfume: no. This is the request I repeat most often. Intense odor in a closed treatment room can be bothersome - for the team, for other patients, and if the patient is feeling worse, it may also intensify nausea. This also applies to heavily perfumed cosmetics and aftershaves.

Nails: in some treatments, hybrid varnish or nail tips may make it difficult to monitor the patient. If this applies to your treatment, the information will appear in the recommendations - and if you're not sure, ask.

7. Food and medicines

Food. In procedures performed under local anesthesia - most of which are performed on an outpatient basis - eat a normal breakfast. Coming on an empty stomach "just in case" is a common mistake: a patient who is hungry, stressed and with low sugar levels is much more likely to feel weak during the procedure.

However, the note is important: If sedation or general anesthesia is planned, separate recommendations regarding fasting apply and then they take priority over the above. They are always provided by the doctor during qualification. If you are not sure which recommendation applies to your treatment, call and make sure the day before.

Also drink water, unless there are contraindications. A dehydrated patient tolerates the procedure worse.

Medicines. Accept them exactly as prescribed by your doctor — neither more nor less. The most important rule is: do not stop taking any medicine on your own. This applies in particular to anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, drugs for hypertension, diabetes, thyroid and psychiatric and neurological drugs.

When qualifying, report everything you take - including over-the-counter medications, supplements and herbal remedies. Some of them affect coagulation, and patients rarely mention them because they do not treat them as "medicines". The doctor will assess whether and what should be modified before the procedure.

Also report allergies - to medications, sanitizers, plasters, and latex.

8. Accompanying person and return home

After some treatments you are not allowed to drive a car — this applies especially to sedation, general anesthesia and situations in which drugs affecting concentration are administered. You will receive information about this during qualification.

If your treatment concerns this, plan an accompanying person. Not on the day of the procedure, but earlier - because this is one of the most common reasons why the patient stays in the clinic longer than planned or why the procedure has to be postponed.

Even during procedures under local anesthesia, after which you can formally conduct the procedure, the presence of a loved one can be simply convenient. After surgery, a person is rarely in shape to handle errands along the way.

Also plan the rest of the day calmly - without work, training, lifting or traveling. The day after the procedure is much easier when you don't have to do anything on time.

9. A candy bar in your pocket and a good attitude

Two things that sound the least medical on the whole list, but are surprisingly important.

A candy bar or something sweet. It's worth having with you after the procedure - in case you feel dizzy or weak. This reaction is quite common and usually harmless, and something sweet helps quickly. If you forget about it, no problem: you will always get sweet tea with us.

Good attitude. I will write about it seriously, because it is not a cliché. A stressed patient feels more, tolerates local anesthesia worse, has blood pressure drops more often and feels weak more often. Calmness is not a matter of character - it comes largely from knowing what will happen.

So if you're nervous, say so. It's normal and there's nothing to be ashamed of. The team then works differently - they explain more, warn about next steps, and ask about their well-being more often. This really changes the course of the procedure.

Preparation Schedule

Call before the procedure if…

The following situations may mean that you need to change the date. It is better to determine this by phone than to come and find out on site:

• fever, cold, respiratory infection, angina,
• skin infection or inflammatory changes in the area of the planned procedure,
• herpes, especially during facial treatments,
• new ailments or worsening of a chronic disease,
• change in medications taken, also introduced by another doctor,
• suspicion of pregnancy,
• missing test results or documents,
• lack of an accompanying person, if required,
• doubts regarding consent or the course of the procedure.

None of these reasons bother us. Postponing the procedure is always a better solution than performing it at the wrong time.

The most common myths

• "You must fast for every treatment." No. With local anesthesia, breakfast is recommended. The doctor's recommendation is decisive.
• "I will sign the consent on the spot, there is no need to read it." Consent signed in doubt is not informed consent.
• “I will bring you the results on the day of the procedure.” Too late. The deadline is 5 days in advance - just to give you time to react.
• "It's better to stop taking the drugs just in case." No. Self-discontinuation can be more dangerous than the procedure itself.
• "Supplements and herbs are not medicines." Some of them affect clotting and need to be reported.
• "Moisturizer doesn't bother you." Obstructs - makes disinfection and fixation of the dressing difficult.
• "Shaving is always necessary." No. Only if your doctor recommends it.
• "After the procedure under local anesthesia, I can always drive." Depends on the procedure and drugs administered - you will receive this information during qualification.
• "Stress doesn't matter." Ma. It affects how you feel and feel during the procedure.

Do you have a question before the procedure?

Ask them in advance, not on the day of the procedure. Each question asked in advance saves time and unnecessary stress - for you and us.

Surgical procedures at the Friendly Medicine Island in Gdańsk

Planned procedures are preceded by a qualification consultation, during which we discuss the course of the procedure, possible complications and preparation. Then the patient receives a complete set of documents and a list of required tests. The date is confirmed by the reservation fee.

We try to make the day of the procedure as predictable as possible for the patient - that is why we provide all recommendations in advance and we are happy to answer questions in advance. The current scope of treatments, availability of dates and prices should be confirmed during registration.

Contact us Price list

What to ask when qualifying?

• What anesthesia will be used?
• Should I come on an empty stomach or have breakfast?
• Which of my medicines should I take in the morning and which should I not?
• Do any of my supplements need to be discontinued?
• Do I need to shave the treatment area and when?
• What tests are required and when should they be delivered?
• How long will the procedure take and how much time will I spend in the clinic?
• Will I be able to drive a car after the procedure?
• Do you need an accompanying person?
• What will the dressing and the first day look like?
• When do I return to work and activity?
• Who should I contact if I have any concerns after the procedure?

FAQ - preparation for the procedure

What to take with you for the procedure?

Completed documents and consents, test results, previous medical documentation, identity document, medications taken or their list, and something sweet for after the procedure. It is also worth having a telephone number for the accompanying person.

Do you have to come on an empty stomach?

Usually not during procedures under local anesthesia - breakfast is even recommended. In the case of sedation or general anesthesia, separate recommendations regarding fasting apply, provided during qualification.

When should I submit the test results?

At least 5 days before the procedure, if the tests were performed outside our clinic. This time is needed to react if the result deviates from the norm.

Can I take medications on the day of the procedure?

As directed by your doctor. You cannot stop taking any medicine on your own - this applies especially to anticoagulants, medicines for hypertension, diabetes and thyroid. Also report supplements and herbs.

Do I need to shave the treatment area?

Only if your doctor recommends it and in the manner indicated by him. There is no need to do it yourself "just in case".

Why should you not use creams before the procedure?

Cosmetics make it difficult to disinfect the treatment area, assess the skin and attach the dressing. On the day of the treatment, the skin should be clean and dry - just wash it with soap and water.

Does self-tanner bother you?

Yes, and it cannot be washed off before the treatment - you have to wait until it goes off. It is worth stopping it a few days in advance, and in the case of treatments for skin lesions, longer.

Why is it forbidden to use perfume?

Intense odor in the treatment room can be bothersome for the team and other patients, and if the patient feels worse, it may increase nausea in the patient himself.

Why is there a reservation fee?

Booking a date means blocking the room, team and operator's time. The fee confirms the date and gives the patient certainty that the procedure will take place. The rules are confirmed by registration.

Will I be able to drive a car after the procedure?

Depends on the type of procedure and anesthesia used. You cannot drive after sedation and general anesthesia - then you need an accompanying person. You receive information during qualification.

What if I get sick before the procedure?

Call me. Fever, infection or skin infection around the treatment area may mean that the date must be postponed. Postponing the procedure is always better than performing it at the wrong time.

I'm afraid of the procedure - should I mention it?

Yes. Stress affects how you feel and feel during the procedure. When the team knows this, they explain more and ask about your well-being more often - and this really changes the course of the procedure.

Sources

• Wyspa MedycynyPrzyjaznej, contact: https://www.wyspamedycynyPrzyjaznej.pl/pl/kontakt
• Wyspa MedycynyPrzyjaznej, price list: https://www.wyspamedycynyprzyjaznej.pl/pl/cennik
• NHS, Having an operation (surgery): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/having-surgery/
• NHS, Preparing for surgery: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/having-surgery/preparation/
• NHS, Anaesthesia: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaesthesia/
• NHS, Local anaesthesia: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/local-anaesthesia/
• NHS, Recovery after surgery: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/having-surgery/recovery/
• NHS, Consent to treatment: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/consent-to-treatment/
• NHS, Cosmetic procedures: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/
• NICE, Surgical site infections: prevention and treatment (NG125): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng125
• Royal College of Anaesthetists, information for patients: https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patient-information