1. Make sure you have a list of everything you can and cannot eat for two weeks before your surgery! This is very, very important. Your doctor will likely give you this list as soon as your procedure is on the books, but if not, it’s important to remember to ask. Make copies of it and put them all over your house.

Most likely, you will have to stay away from aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications and some natural foods that have anti-clotting properties in them. Resist smoking and drinking.

2. Make arrangements for some friends or relatives to be your “guide dog” while you are recuperating. Also, to make sure someone can drive you to and from the surgery. Arrange for someone, or a couple of people, to care for you during the first 24-72 hours after surgery. Consider hiring a nurse for some of that time if you can afford it; taking care of a loved one after surgery is exhausting and may be emotional for some friends and family.

Also, make arrangements for friends or family to take care of your pets, or to drive your children around if that’s an issue for you, or to clean your house to keep it as bacteria-free as possible.

3. Purchase essential items to have on hand for your recuperation. Remember, after surgery you will not be able to, nor will you want to, run out to the grocery store or drug store to purchase anything.

Be sure to get at least: a pill case, recommended homeopathic medicines for bruising and swelling (such as Bromelain or Arnica gel), moisturizing eye drops, a thermometer, bandages, antibacterial soap, a bedpan, a bell or walkie-talkie system for calling for help, laxatives, scar reducing creams, and petroleum jelly. Also, fill any prescriptions ahead of time.

4. Set up your home so it’s conducive to recuperation. Set up an area with lots of pillows (you might even need to sleep propped up), magazines, books, television with remote control (don’t forget fresh batteries), music if you want it. You might consider shading or blacking out your windows so you can rest easier during the day.

5. Set up your nutritional intake. Stock up on easy-to-eat and soft snacks such as protein shakes, gelatin, frozen dinners, oatmeal and yogurt. Buy a box of straws to help you drink the liquids you will need to flush your body with to stay healthy. Also consider buying some frozen vegetables or fruit, for both swelling and healthy smoothies. Prepare and freeze solid meals, enough for two weeks, which can be heated up quickly in the microwave or oven.

cosmetic surgery financing isn’t the only task you should worry about before undergoing cosmetic laser surgery or just standard surgery. With proper planning before your cosmetic surgery you can ensure that your recovery, perhaps the most critical part of the whole procedure, goes by the book.