How to Prepare for Plastic Surgery: Tips from Dr. Colberg

jun 3

9 min read

Introduction: Why Proper Preparation Matters

Whether you're getting a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facial rejuvenation, or a complex reconstructive procedure, how you prepare sets the tone for everything that follows—your safety, your results, and your peace of mind.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience serving patients across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Dr. Gustavo Colberg understands that the surgical journey doesn't start on the operating table—it begins the moment you commit to transformation.

This guide was designed to walk you through the entire pre-op process with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Whether you're local to Puerto Rico or traveling here for surgery, Dr. Colberg's expert tips will help you avoid stress, reduce risk, and feel fully prepared every step of the way.

From medical checklists to emotional readiness, you'll gain the tools to make your surgical experience not just successful, but empowering.

The Complete Pre-Surgery Checklist

Preparing for plastic surgery isn't just about the day of the procedure—it's about creating the right foundation weeks in advance. Following a thoughtful pre-op plan can reduce complications, ease your recovery, and help ensure your results reflect Dr. Colberg's highest surgical standards.

Here's a comprehensive checklist to guide you:

Medical Preparation

Schedule all required labs and physical exams. These may include blood work, a basic metabolic panel, EKG, or other tests, depending on your health history.
Discuss your current medications and supplements. Dr. Colberg's team will advise you on what to stop, adjust, or continue. This may include pausing blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, or herbal supplements.
Pick up pre-surgery prescriptions. Fill any necessary medications in advance, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, or anti-nausea medications, so they're ready for use post-operatively.
Report any illness or new symptoms. Even a minor infection or cold should be discussed with our team before surgery.

Lifestyle Preparation

Stop smoking at least 3–4 weeks before surgery. Nicotine constricts blood flow and increases the risk of poor healing and complications.
Avoid alcohol for at least one week pre-op. It can interfere with anesthesia and the healing process.
Stay well-hydrated. Proper hydration supports circulation and post-op recovery.
Maintain a clean, nourishing diet. Focus on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid crash diets or new, intense exercise routines. Now is not the time to "push your limits."

Logistical Preparation

Take time off from work or school. Dr. Colberg will provide personalized guidance on the amount of downtime you'll need.
Arrange transportation. You will need someone to drive you home and possibly stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Prep your recovery area. Have clean bedding, extra pillows, wound care supplies, and comfort items ready. Recliners, wedge pillows, and loose clothing are highly recommended.
Stock your fridge and pantry. Easy-to-digest, high-protein meals, snacks, and plenty of fluids will make recovery more comfortable.

Cosmetic Preparation

Take pre-op photos. Dr. Colberg's team will guide you, but taking your steps helps you track your transformation.
Pause active skincare treatments. Avoid retinoids, acids, lasers, or tanning in the week before surgery.
Avoid waxing or shaving the surgical area. This helps prevent irritation or infection—ask the team if any grooming is necessary.
Remove nail polish, gel nails, and acrylics. These can interfere with oxygen monitoring devices during surgery.

Feeling prepared isn't just physical—it's peace of mind. Taking the time now to follow this checklist can make a dramatic difference in your surgical journey.

Emotional and Mental Preparation

Surgery is a physical transformation—but it's also a profoundly personal one. It's normal to experience a range of emotions in the days and weeks leading up to your procedure.

Whether you're feeling excitement, anxiety, doubt, or all of the above, you're not alone—and you're not overthinking it.

Dr. Colberg believes that preparing emotionally is just as crucial as preparing medically. Here's how to do it with intention:

Understand Your "Why"

Take a moment to reflect on your motivation for undergoing surgery. Are you doing this for yourself? Are your expectations grounded in personal goals, not pressure from others or social media? Centering your "why" brings confidence and clarity.

Manage Anxiety with Information and Trust

Knowledge reduces fear. Don't hesitate to ask questions during your consultation or follow-up calls. Dr. Colberg and his team are here to walk you through every step. The more you understand the process, the more peace you'll feel.

Visualize the Process—Not Just the Results

While it's natural to focus on the "after," preparing emotionally also means embracing the process:

Expect temporary swelling, bruising, and emotional fluctuations.
Understand that healing takes time.
Accept that your body may look different at each stage of recovery.

Build Your Support System

Having someone you trust—whether it's a partner, parent, or friend—can make a world of difference. Let them know how they can support you emotionally, not just logistically.

Give Yourself Grace

It's OK to feel scared. It's OK to feel excited. And it's more than OK to take this time for yourself.

You're not just preparing for surgery—you're preparing for change. And that deserves compassion, patience, and support.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

Surgery day can feel like a blur of emotions—nervousness, anticipation, even calmness. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps replace anxiety with confidence. Dr. Colberg's team is committed to making sure you feel safe, supported, and informed every step of the way.

Here's what a typical day-of-surgery experience looks like at our Puerto Rico surgical center:

What to Wear and Bring

Wear loose, comfortable clothing—ideally something that zips or buttons in the front.
Avoid makeup, jewelry, contact lenses, perfumes, and lotion.
Bring your ID, insurance information if applicable, and any required forms.
Leave valuables at home and ensure your phone is fully charged, in case a companion needs updates.

Arriving at the Surgery Center

You'll be greeted by our compassionate nursing staff and prepped for surgery.
The surgical team will confirm your procedure details and review your medical history one last time.
You'll meet with your anesthesiologist, who will explain the anesthesia process and answer any final questions.
Dr. Colberg will check in with you before you're brought to the OR to ensure you're calm and ready.

During the Procedure

You'll be under general anesthesia or local sedation, depending on your procedure. Throughout surgery, your vitals are continuously monitored by a board-certified team.

Dr. Colberg performs each surgery with the same level of care, precision, and attention to detail as if he were operating on his own family.

After the Procedure

You'll wake up in a recovery area under close supervision. Most patients feel groggy but comfortable. Once you're cleared to go home, your companion will receive all instructions from our team, including how to manage medications, dressings, and what to expect in the hours ahead.

The experience may feel fast, but your preparation and trust in the process are what make it smooth and successful.

Post-Surgery Recovery Planning

Your recovery doesn't begin when you get home—it starts the moment your surgery ends. Planning can make a world of difference in your healing, comfort, and overall experience.

Dr. Colberg and his team will provide personalized aftercare instructions, but here's how to prepare for what's next:

Set Up Your Healing Space

Create a peaceful, functional recovery area before your procedure:

Use a recliner or elevate your bed with pillows if required for your procedure.
Keep essential items (medications, water, snacks, phone charger, dressings) within arm's reach.
Have clean, loose-fitting clothing ready—ideally items that don't need to be pulled over your head.
Consider blackout curtains, a fan, or white noise for restful sleep.

Follow All Aftercare Instructions Closely

Dr. Colberg's team will walk you through:

Wound care: When and how to change dressings or bandages.
Medications: Pain control, antibiotics, anti-nausea treatments.
Mobility: When to begin walking, how to avoid strain, and recommended positions for sleeping or resting.
Compression garments: If prescribed, when and how to wear them properly.

Understand the Healing Timeline

Every procedure has its recovery curve, but here are general guidelines:

Days 1–3: Expect swelling, tightness, grogginess, and limited activity. You'll need help around the house.
Days 4–10: You may start feeling better, but visible swelling and bruising may still be present.
Weeks 2–4: Most patients return to light activity or work. Follow-up appointments are crucial for tracking progress and healing.
Weeks 4–6 and beyond: The "new you" continues to emerge as swelling subsides and scars begin to fade.

Know When to Call the Office

Call Dr. Colberg's office if you experience:

A fever over 100.4°F
Excessive bleeding, swelling, or drainage
Severe pain not managed by medication
Shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness

Healing is not a straight line—your body needs time, and your care team is always here to support you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most well-intentioned patients can unknowingly jeopardize their results by making small—but critical—mistakes before or after surgery. Dr. Colberg has seen firsthand how avoiding these missteps can dramatically improve healing and long-term satisfaction.

Here's what to look out for:

Making Last-Minute Lifestyle Changes

Starting a new diet, workout plan, or supplement routine just days before surgery can have unintended consequences. Drastic shifts in nutrition or hydration, especially crash dieting, can weaken your immune system and delay recovery.

What to do instead: Maintain a stable, balanced routine leading up to surgery. Now isn't the time for experimentation—it's the time for consistency.

Ignoring Pre-Op Instructions

Skipping a dose of a required medication, forgetting to fast before surgery, or showing up wearing makeup or lotion might seem minor, but these details are crucial for your safety.

What to do instead: Follow every instruction from Dr. Colberg's team like it's part of the procedure—because it is.

Downplaying Symptoms or Concerns

Some patients hesitate to mention pain, swelling, or emotional changes because they think it's "normal" or don't want to "bother the doctor."

What to do instead: If something feels off, speak up. Early communication can prevent serious complications.

Traveling Too Soon Without Planning for Downtime

Puerto Rico attracts many patients from abroad seeking high-quality surgical care and beautiful surroundings, but combining surgery with vacation plans can be risky if you don't schedule enough time to heal.

What to do instead: Dr. Colberg recommends staying local for a minimum of 7–10 days post-op (or longer depending on the procedure) and avoiding long flights until cleared.

Comparing Your Recovery to Others

Healing is not one-size-fits-all. Some patients swell more, bruise less, or bounce back faster. Social media isn't a reliable reference point for your timeline.

What to do instead: Trust your body's pace. Stay focused on your progress, not someone else's highlight reel.

Avoiding these common pitfalls can protect your investment, preserve your results, and make your surgical journey smoother from start to finish.

Dr. Colberg's Personal Insights & Top Tips

After years of performing complex aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, Dr. Gustavo Colberg has witnessed the difference that thoughtful preparation makes—not just in surgical outcomes, but in how patients perceive their entire experience.

Here are his most trusted tips, drawn from honest conversations, real patients, and real results:

"Preparation is part of the procedure."

Many patients focus solely on the surgery itself, but the success of your results is built in the days and weeks leading up to it. Following your pre-op instructions isn't optional—it's foundational.

"The most successful outcomes I see are with patients who treat prep like part of their transformation, not just a box to check."

"Ask questions—even if you think they're 'dumb.'"

Dr. Colberg wants every patient to feel safe, heard, and empowered. No question is too small or too silly.

"We're not just operating—we're partnering with you. Clear, open communication makes the entire journey smoother."

"Be patient with your healing process."

Swelling, bruising, and asymmetries are normal in the early stages of healing. Your final results may take several weeks or months to reveal themselves fully.

"Trust the timeline. Don't rush your body—it knows how to heal, and we're here to guide it."

"Out-of-town patients: treat this like a medical trip, not a vacation."

Puerto Rico is a popular destination for aesthetic surgery, but surgery is still surgery. Rest should come before sightseeing.

"Build in extra recovery time. Stay hydrated, follow your post-op care plan, and give your body the downtime it deserves."

"You're allowed to feel nervous—and excited."

Every emotion is valid. Whether it's your first procedure or your fourth, it's normal to feel a mix of hope, fear, and excitement.

"Take a deep breath. You've done the hard work. We'll take it from here."

Whether you're local to Puerto Rico or traveling in for world-class care, Dr. Colberg and his team are committed to providing a profoundly personal, expertly guided experience from your first consultation to your final result.

Conclusion: Your Journey Starts with Preparation

Choosing plastic surgery is a powerful, personal decision, and how you prepare can make all the difference. When you take the time to follow a plan, ask questions, and surround yourself with the proper care, you're not just preparing for a procedure—you're preparing for a transformation.

Whether you're looking to enhance your confidence, restore function, or feel more like yourself, Dr. Gustavo Colberg is here to help you get there with skill, compassion, and integrity.

If you're ready to begin your journey, the first step is a personalized consultation. We'll walk you through every detail, from your unique goals to your individualized preparation and recovery plan.

📞 Call: 787-805-3232

📧 Email: info@gustavocolbergmd.com

🔗 Schedule Your Consultation today and take the first confident step toward your transformation.