Preparing your body and your information before surgery is as important as the surgery itself. This is what we tell every patient before they fly.
01. Stop Certain Medications and Supplements — but Know Which Ones and When
Stop the following at least 1 week before surgery: aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), hormonal medications (unless specifically instructed to continue), herbal medicines, and vitamin supplements including Vitamin E, Omega-3, ginseng-containing supplements, and other dietary supplements that affect blood clotting.
Stop alcohol at least 2 weeks before surgery. Alcohol affects liver function, and anesthetic medications are metabolized by the liver — alcohol reduces the liver’s ability to process them properly.
Stop smoking from the day you decide to proceed with surgery, the earlier the better. Smoking slows healing, increases infection risk at the surgical site, and raises the risk of anesthesia complications. There is no safe point to continue.
Stop GLP-1 weight-loss medications (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) at least 3 weeks before surgery. Tell Miin which medication you are taking and your dosage so the surgeon can advise on the exact timing.
02. Do Not Stop Daily Prescription Medications on Your Own
If you take daily medication for a chronic condition — high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, hormones, or anything else — do not stop without guidance from the surgical team.
Tell Miin every medication you are currently taking before traveling. The surgeon will review the list and provide specific instructions. On the day of surgery, if you need to take medication, take it with only a small amount of water as directed by the hospital.
03. Share Your Full Medical History
Before traveling, inform Miin of any of the following: underlying medical conditions, prior surgeries, medication allergies, food allergies, and any other relevant medical history.
Specific situations that must be disclosed: a history of surgery involving the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain; past chemotherapy; diagnosed anemia (which can worsen after surgery and may require evaluation before your procedure); allergic reactions to medications, including what the reaction involves — itching, irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulty.
If you have an implanted medical device — pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, cochlear implant — declare this when you first contact Miin and again on the day of surgery.
This information allows the surgeon to prepare the safest possible plan before you arrive.
04. Tell Us if You Are Menstruating
If your period overlaps with your surgery date, inform Miin and the clinic in advance. Menstruation does not affect surgical outcomes, but swelling and bruising may take longer to resolve. The medical team adjusts post-operative care accordingly.
05. Rest Well in the Days Leading Up to Surgery
A healthy body and a rested mind support smoother surgery and recovery. In the days before your procedure, get adequate sleep and avoid staying up late. Arrive in Korea without accumulated fatigue if you can manage it.
06. Fast for 10-12 Hours Before Surgery
Nothing is permitted for 10-12 hours before your scheduled surgery time. This means no food, no candy, no chewing gum, and no beverages including water. This is a strict requirement for general anesthesia safety.
Avoid caffeinated drinks — coffee, strong tea, energy drinks — before your pre-surgery health examination. Caffeine affects heart rate, which is assessed during the exam.
07. Remove Nail Polish and Eyelash Extensions Before Coming to Korea
All nail polish, gel nails, artificial nails, and pedicures must be removed from both fingers and toes before traveling. This is required by all Korean clinics. Nail treatments prevent accurate oxygen monitoring during surgery.
Remove eyelash extensions before surgery as well. The medical team needs clear access to the eye area during and after the procedure – even if you’re not getting eye surgery.
08. Prepare for Surgery Day
On the day of surgery: shower and wash your hair before arriving at the clinic. Patients undergoing facial contouring should brush their teeth thoroughly. Male patients undergoing facial contouring surgery must shave before surgery to prevent infection risk.
Do not wear makeup. Do not wear contact lenses. Bring glasses if you need vision correction.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Front-button tops are ideal. Avoid tight necklines, stockings, and pantyhose. Leave all jewelry — rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, bracelets — at your accommodation. You will be asked to remove everything before the operating room, and it is safest not to bring valuables to the clinic.
Bring items to cover your face after surgery: a face mask, hat, sunglasses, and scarf. These help with comfort, privacy, and protecting the surgical area from sun exposure and wind during the trip back to your hotel.
Note for rhinoplasty patients: sunglasses place pressure on the nose post-surgery and are not permitted after rhinoplasty. Use a hat and mask instead.
Your surgery time confirmation from the hospital comes after 6PM the day before your procedure. If you have not received a call by that evening, contact us to confirm.
09. Do Not Drive Yourself After Surgery
For outpatient procedures, self-driving after surgery is not allowed. Miin’s coordinator accompanies you on surgery day. If you are bringing a companion, let us know in advance.
For patients requiring hospitalization, discharge is typically scheduled for the morning after surgery.
10. Share Everything With Miin — Nothing Is Too Small to Mention
Whether it is a supplement you take occasionally, a herbal tea you drink regularly, an allergy you consider minor, or a health concern you’re not sure is relevant — tell us. The surgeon cannot prepare the safest plan without a complete picture.
Miin is with you from the first inquiry through your recovery. Your safety is what everything else is built around.
Get in touch to start planning your trip with Miin.