Direct Answer
Start preparing 6 weeks before surgery: stop blood thinners at 2 weeks, get blood tests, pack recovery essentials, and book accommodation within 15 minutes of your clinic.
Japanese clinics expect patients to arrive prepared. Unlike some countries where the clinic coordinates everything, in Japan you're responsible for your own pre-op testing (or doing it at the clinic days before), accommodation, transportation, and aftercare logistics. This guide covers the complete timeline — from booking confirmation to walking into the operating room.
Getting cosmetic surgery abroad adds a layer of complexity that domestic patients don't face. You're managing two things simultaneously: a medical procedure and international travel. The patients who have the best outcomes are the ones who treat preparation as seriously as the surgery itself.
This guide is specifically for surgical procedures — rhinoplasty, double eyelid (incisional), facelift, liposuction, breast augmentation. If you're getting non-surgical treatments (Botox, fillers, laser), your preparation is much simpler — see our booking guide instead.
1. Pre-Surgery Timeline
Here's exactly what to do and when — counting backward from your surgery date.
6 Weeks Before
Confirm & Plan
Surgery date confirmed with clinic. Book flights (flexible return date recommended). Book accommodation near the clinic for the full recovery period. Arrange a travel companion if having general anesthesia — you'll need someone to escort you back to your hotel on surgery day. Start your clinic booking process if not already done.
4 Weeks Before
Medical Preparation
Get blood tests done at home if preferred (CBC, coagulation panel, hepatitis B/C, HIV — results valid within 3 months). Stop smoking completely — smoking significantly increases complication risk and slows healing. Reduce alcohol to minimal. Start Arnica montana supplements if your surgeon recommends them (some do, some don't — ask).
2 Weeks Before
Stop Medications & Supplements
Stop all blood-thinning medications and supplements (full list below). Stop alcohol completely. Continue all prescribed medications unless your surgeon says otherwise. Email your clinic to confirm: appointment time, address, what to bring, fasting instructions, and payment method.
1 Week Before
Pack & Prepare
Pack your surgery kit (full checklist below). Download Google Translate and a Japan transit app. Exchange cash — bring at least ¥100,000 beyond your surgery cost for accommodation, food, pharmacy, and transport. Confirm hotel check-in/check-out times align with your surgery schedule. Print all clinic correspondence.
3–5 Days Before (In Japan)
Pre-Op Visit
If you haven't done blood tests at home, the clinic will do them now (¥5,000–15,000). Some clinics combine this with a final pre-op consultation to review the surgical plan and mark treatment areas. Use this time to locate the nearest pharmacy (薬局/yakkyoku), convenience store, and your clinic's after-hours emergency number.
Day Before
Rest & Fast
Light, easily digestible dinner. No alcohol. Begin fasting as instructed — typically no food or water after midnight for morning surgeries under general anesthesia. For local anesthesia, fasting may not be required (confirm with clinic). Lay out everything you need for the morning: clothing, documents, phone charger.
Surgery Day
Arrive & Execute
Arrive 30–60 minutes early. Wear loose, comfortable clothing — button-up shirt for facial surgery (nothing that goes over your head). No makeup, no contact lenses, no jewelry. Bring your companion. The clinic handles everything from here — just follow instructions.
2. Medical Tests & Health Preparation
🩺 Pre-Surgery Medical Tests
| Test | Required For | Cost at Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Complete blood count (CBC) | All surgery under general anesthesia | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| Coagulation panel (PT/APTT) | All surgery | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| Hepatitis B/C | All surgery | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| HIV | All surgery | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| ECG (electrocardiogram) | Age 40+ or heart conditions | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| Chest X-ray | Age 50+ or lung conditions | ¥3,000–8,000 |
💡 Save Time & Money: Get blood tests done at home before flying. Most clinics accept results from overseas labs within the last 3 months. Email the results to the clinic in advance — this eliminates the need for a separate pre-op visit in Japan, saving you a clinic trip and ¥5,000–15,000. Ask the clinic exactly which tests they need before getting them done.
For local anesthesia procedures (burial method double eyelid, minor tip plasty, some scar revisions), blood tests may be waived entirely. Always confirm with your specific clinic — requirements vary. For detailed information on the consultation process and what happens at the pre-op visit, see our consultation guide.
3. Medications & Supplements to Stop
⚠️ Stop These 7–14 Days Before Surgery: Blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs increase bleeding risk during and after surgery. Even "natural" supplements can cause dangerous bleeding. When in doubt, ask your surgeon.
🚫 Stop Before Surgery
| Category | Stop | When to Stop |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen (Aleve) | 7–14 days before |
| Supplements | Fish oil, Vitamin E (high dose), Ginkgo biloba, Garlic extract, Ginseng | 14 days before |
| Herbal | St. John's Wort, Kava, Feverfew | 14 days before |
| Prescription thinners | Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix | Consult prescribing doctor |
| Lifestyle | Alcohol, smoking | 14+ days before |
What to Continue: Most regular medications (blood pressure, thyroid, birth control, antidepressants) should be continued unless your surgeon specifically advises otherwise. Bring a complete list of your medications to the consultation. Paracetamol/acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safe before surgery — confirm with your surgeon.
4. Where to Stay
Your accommodation choice directly affects your recovery experience. The priority: stay close to the clinic, have privacy, and have easy access to food and pharmacy.
🏨 Accommodation Options by Recovery Phase
| Option | Cost/Night | Best For | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinic recovery room | ¥8,000–15,000 | Night 1 (surgery day) | Nurse check-ins, emergency access |
| Business hotel | ¥6,000–12,000 | Days 1–7 | Privacy, room service, daily cleaning |
| Serviced apartment | ¥5,000–10,000 | Stays 7+ days | Kitchen, laundry, home-like comfort |
| Airbnb | ¥4,000–8,000 | Budget option, 7+ days | Kitchen, cheaper for long stays |
💡 The 15-Minute Rule: Book accommodation within 15 minutes of your clinic by train or taxi. On follow-up days (suture removal, check-ups), you'll be swollen and possibly uncomfortable — a short commute makes a huge difference. For specific hotel recommendations near Tokyo's major clinic districts, see our recovery hotels guide.
For rhinoplasty, plan to sleep propped up at 30–45 degrees for the first week. Request extra pillows at check-in or bring a travel wedge pillow. For eyelid surgery, cold compresses are essential — make sure your hotel has ice available or buy gel ice packs at a pharmacy (薬局) on arrival.
5. What to Pack: Surgery Kit Checklist
📄 Documents & Essentials
☐Passport — required for clinic registration
☐Surgery confirmation printout — email correspondence with clinic
☐Blood test results — if done at home
☐Medical history sheet — allergies, medications, previous surgeries
☐Reference photos — printed, annotated
☐Travel insurance documents — verify cosmetic surgery coverage
☐Cash ¥100,000+ — beyond surgery cost, for incidentals
☐Credit card — backup payment method
👕 Clothing & Comfort
☐Button-up shirts (3–4) — for facial surgery, nothing over the head
☐Loose, comfortable pants — elastic waist, easy on/off
☐Slip-on shoes — no laces (bending is uncomfortable post-surgery)
☐Sunglasses + hat — to cover swelling and bruising in public
☐Neck pillow — for sleeping upright (rhinoplasty, facelift)
☐Scarf or mask — Japan is mask-friendly, perfect for covering lower face
💊 Medical & Recovery
☐Prescribed medications — your regular daily medications
☐Paracetamol (Tylenol) — bring from home, available in Japan too
☐Lip balm — lips dry out during surgery under anesthesia
☐Straws — for drinking after facial surgery without moving lips
☐Saline nasal spray — for rhinoplasty recovery
☐Hand mirror — for checking swelling progress
📱 Entertainment & Comfort
☐Phone + charger + power bank
☐Tablet / e-reader — recovery days are long
☐Headphones — for hotel/flight recovery
☐Downloaded shows/books — don't rely on hotel WiFi
⚠️ Do NOT Bring: Contact lenses (for eye surgery — wear glasses), tight clothing that goes over your head, heavy makeup (you won't be wearing any for days), high heels or complicated footwear, large amounts of jewelry.
6. The Night Before Surgery
The night before is about calm execution, not last-minute scrambling. If you've followed this timeline, everything is already in place.
🌙 Night-Before Checklist
☐Eat a light, easily digestible dinner — nothing heavy or spicy
☐No alcohol — even one drink affects bleeding
☐Begin fasting at the instructed time (typically midnight)
☐Lay out tomorrow's clothing — button-up shirt, loose pants, slip-on shoes
☐Lay out documents — passport, confirmation, blood test results
☐Set two alarms — allow 60+ minutes to get to the clinic
☐Confirm companion knows the plan (if under general anesthesia)
☐Shower — you may not shower normally for 2–3 days post-surgery
☐Remove all nail polish — surgeons monitor nail color during anesthesia
7. Surgery Day: What Happens
🏥 Surgery Day Sequence
| Time | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Arrival (–60 min) | Registration, change into surgical gown, vitals check |
| Pre-op (–30 min) | Surgeon marks treatment areas on your face/body with a pen |
| Marking review | You review the markings in a mirror — last chance to adjust |
| Anesthesia | Local injection or IV sedation → general anesthesia |
| Surgery | 30 min – 5 hours depending on procedure |
| Recovery room | 1–3 hours observation, ice packs, pain management |
| Discharge | Written aftercare instructions, prescriptions, follow-up schedule |
The Marking Review: This is your most important moment. The surgeon will draw the planned incisions/changes on your face or body before the procedure. You review them in a mirror. If anything looks wrong or different from what you discussed, speak up now. This is the last moment before the procedure becomes irreversible. Don't be shy — every good surgeon welcomes questions at this stage.
After surgery, your companion (if you have one) will be briefed on aftercare while you're still groggy. Make sure your companion has the clinic's contact information, your hotel address, and the aftercare instruction sheet. For general anesthesia procedures, you should not take public transport home alone — have your companion arrange a taxi.
8. Recovery Stay Planning
📅 Minimum Stay by Procedure
| Procedure | Min. Stay in Japan | Key Follow-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Double eyelid (burial) | 5–7 days | Suture check day 5 |
| Double eyelid (incisional) | 10–14 days | Stitch removal day 5–7 |
| Rhinoplasty | 10–14 days | Cast removal day 5–7, check day 10–14 |
| Facelift | 14–21 days | Drain removal day 2–3, stitches day 7–10 |
| Liposuction | 7–10 days | Compression check day 3, follow-up day 7 |
| Breast augmentation | 10–14 days | Drain removal day 3–5, check day 10 |
💡 Book Flexible Flights: Buy a return ticket with free date change or a one-way + separate return ticket. Recovery timelines are estimates — your surgeon may want an extra follow-up, or healing may be faster than expected. The ¥10,000–20,000 fee for a flexible ticket is worth the peace of mind. For detailed trip planning, see our rhinoplasty trip planner and medical tourism guide.
9. Japanese Phrases for Surgery Day
手術の前に確認したいことがあります
shujutsu no mae ni kakunin shitai koto ga arimasu
I have something to confirm before surgery
痛みはどのくらいですか？
itami wa dono kurai desu ka?
How much pain should I expect?
アフターケアの説明を英語でお願いします
afutā kea no setsumei wo eigo de onegai shimasu
Please give me aftercare instructions in English
薬のアレルギーがあります
kusuri no arerugī ga arimasu
I have a medication allergy
緊急連絡先を教えてください
kinkyū renraku-saki wo oshiete kudasai
Please give me the emergency contact number
次の来院はいつですか？
tsugi no raiin wa itsu desu ka?
When is my next visit?
シャワーはいつから浴びていいですか？
shawā wa itsu kara abite ii desu ka?
When can I shower?
For the full phrase guide including booking and consultation phrases, see our Japanese phrases for cosmetic clinics.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What medical tests are required before cosmetic surgery in Japan?
Most clinics require blood tests (CBC, coagulation, hepatitis B/C, HIV) before general anesthesia surgery. ECG and chest X-ray may be needed for patients over 40. Tests can be done at the clinic 3–7 days before surgery (¥5,000–15,000) or you can bring results from home (within 3 months). For local anesthesia procedures like burial method double eyelid, blood tests may be waived.
What medications should I stop before surgery?
Stop 7–14 days before: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements. Prescription blood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis) require your prescribing doctor's guidance. Continue regular medications (blood pressure, thyroid, antidepressants) unless surgeon advises otherwise. Stop alcohol and smoking at least 14 days before.
How long should I stay in Japan after surgery?
Double eyelid burial: 5–7 days. Double eyelid incisional: 10–14 days. Rhinoplasty: 10–14 days. Facelift: 14–21 days. Liposuction: 7–10 days. Book flexible return flights — your surgeon may want additional follow-ups. Some clinics offer remote follow-up via email/video for patients who need to return home sooner.
What should I pack for cosmetic surgery in Japan?
Essentials: passport, surgery confirmation, blood test results, medical history, cash (¥100,000+), credit card. Clothing: button-up shirts (facial surgery), loose pants, slip-on shoes, sunglasses, hat, neck pillow. Medical: prescribed medications, lip balm, straws, saline spray (rhinoplasty). Entertainment: phone, tablet, headphones, downloaded content.
Where should I stay after surgery in Tokyo?
Stay within 15 minutes of your clinic. Best options: clinic recovery room (night 1, ¥8,000–15,000, nurse check-ins), business hotel (days 1–7, ¥6,000–12,000, privacy + room service), serviced apartment (7+ days, ¥5,000–10,000, kitchen access). Avoid hostels and far-away Airbnbs. See our recovery hotels Tokyo guide for specific recommendations.
What happens on surgery day?
Arrive 30–60 minutes early. Change into surgical gown, vitals check, surgeon marks treatment areas (you review in mirror — last chance to adjust). Anesthesia administered, surgery performed (30 min – 5 hours), recovery room observation (1–3 hours), discharge with written aftercare instructions. A companion is needed to escort you home after general anesthesia.
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About this guide: Based on consultation with Japanese cosmetic surgeons and feedback from foreign patients who underwent surgery in Tokyo. Updated March 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your surgeon's specific pre-operative instructions.