A good health condition, being psychologically stable and following the surgeon's advice allows great results to be achieved in any type of cosmetic surgery.

1. Well-balanced diet: Follow a nutrition program enriched in vitamins and proteins. Vitamins C and E are highly recommended, as are fruits, vegetables and white meat (fish and chicken without skin).
2. Avoid: Alcohol, smoking or being with people who smoke four weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after surgery. This will prevent the forming of hematomas, which is the collection of blood under the skin. Hematomas delay the healing process.
3. Medicines: Four weeks before the surgery discontinue any medication containing Aspirin, such as: Alka Seltzer, Heparin or Motrin (Ibuprofen), as they produce blood thinning. Tylenol and Acetaminophen are allowed.
4. Medical Check-up: Have a complete medical check-up before surgery, including:
   • Electrocardiogram
   • Complete blood test (complete blood count)
   • Platelet count
   • Prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
   • HIV test
   • Urine test
5. Photographs: Some cases require black & white photographs 5" x 7" (12.5 cms x 20 cms). Full front face photo and two profile photos are usually required.
6. Antibiotics: Antibiotics will be prescribed twice a day beginning two days before surgery and continuing one week after surgery. Augmentin 500 mg, Amoxycillin 500 mg, or Ceclor or Ciproxine 500 mg.
7. Personal Care: Hair should be washed twice: Once the day before the surgery and once the day of the surgery.
8. Facilities: Surgeries are performed at one of three hospitals: Hospital Clinica Biblica, Hospital CIMA San Jose, and Hospital Santa Rita(*) which is located in San José. Hospital stay depends on the type of surgery, normally it ranges from an 8 hour stay to a 1-3 night stay.

* Hospital Santa Rita: Hospital Santa Rita offers 20 rooms with private bathroom, private phone, cable TV. Laboratory, X-ray and drugstore are available at the hospital. It is recommended that you check in at least 3 hours before surgery.