A good health condition and being psychologically stable as well as to follow the surgeon's advice allows to achieve great results in any type of cosmetic surgery.

1. Well-balanced diet: Follow a nutritionist program enriched in vitamins and proteins. Vitamins C and E are highly recommended. Fruits, vegetables, white meat (fish and chicken without skin).

2. Avoid: Alcohol, smoking or being with people who smoke. Four weeks prior surgery and two weeks after surgery. This will prevent the forming of hematoma or collection of blood under skin. The hematoma delays healing process.

3. Medicines: Four weeks prior surgery. Discontinue medication containing Aspirin such as: Alka Seltzer, Heparin or Motrin (Ibuprofen) that produce blood thinning. Tylenol and Acetaminofen are allowed.

4. Medical Check-up: Have a complete medical check-up before surgery with electrocardiogram blood work.
   • Electrocardiogram
   • Complete blood test (complete blood count)
   • Platelets
   • Prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
   • HIV testing
   • Urine test

5. Photographs: Some cases require black & white photographs 5" x 7" (12.5 cms x 20 cms). Front face picture, two profiles picture are usually required.

6. Antibiotics: Antibiotics will be prescribe twice a day beginning two days before surgery and continuing one week after surgery. Augmenting 500 mg, Amoxycillin 500 mg, or Ceclor or Ciproxina 500 mg.

7. Personal Care: Hair should be washed twice one day before surgery and once the same day of surgery.

8. Facilities: Surgeries are performed at Santa Rita Hospital* which is located in San José. Hospital stay depends on the type of surgery, which means a 8 hours stay or 1-3 nights stay.

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