Final preparations before your breast reduction surgery. Make sure you're ready, organised, and mentally prepared for tomorrow.
It's Almost Time
By now you've prepared everything you need. Today is about finalising the details, following pre-operative instructions carefully, and getting mentally ready for your surgery.
Fasting Instructions
You will have received specific fasting instructions from the hospital. These are critical for your safety during anaesthesia.
Typical Fasting Guidelines
These are general guidelines only. Always follow your hospital's specific instructions.
Food: Nothing to eat from midnight before your surgery
Clear fluids: Water only, up to 2 hours before your admission time
No chewing gum or sweets after midnight
The Night Before
Shower and wash your hair - it may be a few days before you can comfortably shower again.
Remove all jewellery including piercings, rings, and watches. Leave them at home.
Remove nail polish and acrylic nails - the anaesthetist needs to see your natural nail beds to monitor oxygen levels.
Don't apply any lotions, creams, or makeup to your chest or face.
Lay out loose, comfortable, front-opening clothing for tomorrow.
What to Pack
This is a day case procedure, so you'll go home the same day once you've recovered from the anaesthetic. Here's what to bring:
Essential Items
Your admission paperwork and any consent forms you've been given
Photo ID (driving licence or passport)
Your usual medications in their original packaging
Front-fastening bra to wear home (the hospital will apply your surgical bra, but have one spare)
Loose, button-up shirt or zip-up hoodie to wear home
Comfortable trousers or loose skirt
Slip-on shoes - you won't want to bend down to tie laces
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Phone charger
Optional Comfort Items
Lip balm (hospital air is dry)
Eye mask and earplugs for resting at home
Book, tablet, or headphones for entertainment
Slippers or non-slip socks
What NOT to Bring
Jewellery or valuables
Contact lenses (wear glasses instead)
Tight or overhead-pullover clothing
Transport and Support
Confirm your arrangements for collection and aftercare:
Confirm your collection time with your designated person. The hospital will call them when you're ready.
You cannot drive yourself home or take public transport after general anaesthetic.
Ensure someone will stay with you for the first night - you should not be alone.
Have the hospital's contact number saved in your phone and given to your carer.
Mental Preparation
Feeling nervous is completely normal. Here's what to expect:
You'll meet your surgeon and anaesthetist before the procedure - this is your chance to ask any last-minute questions.
You'll be marked while standing up, wearing your surgical bra to ensure symmetry.
The anaesthetic team will make you comfortable - you'll be asleep before anything happens.
When you wake up, you'll be in recovery with close monitoring. You may feel groggy, cold, or nauseous initially.
Pro Tip
Set multiple alarms for tomorrow morning so you don't oversleep. Get to bed early tonight - you need rest. If you can't sleep due to nerves, listen to calming music or a meditation app rather than scrolling on your phone.
Final Checklist
Confirm your admission time and location
Follow fasting instructions precisely
Shower and remove all makeup, nail polish, and jewellery
Pack your hospital bag
Prepare loose, front-opening clothes for tomorrow
Confirm collection arrangements
Set your home up for recovery (recovery station, meals prepared, etc.)
Charge your phone fully
If You Feel Unwell
If you develop a cold, fever, cough, or feel unwell the day before surgery, contact the hospital immediately. It may be safer to postpone your procedure. Do not attend if you have COVID-19 symptoms.