Final preparations before your gynaecomastia surgery. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure everything goes smoothly on the day.
Final Preparations
You're now just one day away from your surgery. This is the time to make final preparations, ensure you have everything you need, and get a good night's rest.
Fasting Instructions
Your surgical team will provide specific fasting instructions, but the general guidance is:
Critical: Fasting Requirements
From midnight before your surgery:
No food of any kind
No drinks including water, tea, coffee, or juice
No chewing gum or sweets
Failure to fast properly may result in your surgery being cancelled for safety reasons. If you're unsure about any medications, check with your surgical team the day before.
The Evening Before
Eat a light, healthy dinner - avoid heavy, greasy foods that might upset your stomach
Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water throughout the day (but stop at midnight)
Shower thoroughly - use antibacterial soap if provided by your surgical team
Get a good night's sleep - go to bed at a reasonable time, even if you're anxious
What to Pack
Prepare a small bag with essentials for the hospital:
Documents and Essentials
Photo ID (driver's license or passport)
Insurance information and payment details if applicable
List of current medications
Contact details for your emergency contact
Mobile phone and charger
Clothing
Loose, button-up shirt - you'll wear this home over your compression vest
Comfortable tracksuit bottoms or joggers
Slip-on shoes - avoid anything that requires bending down to tie
Warm jacket or hoodie - you may feel cold after anaesthesia
Optional Items
Book or tablet for any waiting time
Headphones if you want to listen to music
Glasses (if you wear contact lenses, leave them at home)
What NOT to Bring
Jewellery - leave all jewellery at home including watches and piercings
Valuables - only bring essentials
Contact lenses - wear glasses instead
Perfume, cologne, or aftershave - avoid on the day of surgery
Morning of Surgery
On the morning of your procedure:
Do not eat or drink anything (unless specifically instructed otherwise for medications)
Shower with antibacterial soap if provided, or regular soap if not
Do not apply deodorant, moisturiser, or any products to your chest area
Brush your teeth but do not swallow any water
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that buttons or zips up the front
Arrive on time - usually 1-2 hours before your scheduled surgery time
At Home Preparation
Before you leave for the hospital, make sure your recovery space is ready:
Clean sheets on the bed with extra pillows arranged for elevated sleeping
Compression vest within easy reach (if not being fitted at hospital)
Water bottles and light snacks on your bedside table
Entertainment (books, remote controls, phone charger) within arm's reach
Clear a path to the bathroom in case you feel unsteady
Mental Preparation
It's completely normal to feel nervous the night before surgery. Here are some tips:
Remind yourself why you made this decision - focus on the positive outcome
Practice deep breathing or meditation if it helps you relax
Avoid researching surgery experiences online the night before - this often increases anxiety
Trust your surgeon and the medical team who will be caring for you
Remember that gynaecomastia surgery is one of the most straightforward cosmetic procedures with excellent satisfaction rates
Remember
If you have any last-minute questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your surgical team. They would rather answer a question than have you worrying unnecessarily.
Confirm Arrangements
Double-check these final details:
Someone is confirmed to collect you (with their phone number saved)
You know your arrival time at the hospital
You have the hospital address and parking information
Your carer knows they need to stay with you for the first 24-48 hours