Great top surgery results don't start in the operating room—they start weeks before, with good preparation. The patients who have the smoothest experiences are almost always the ones who planned ahead.
Thoughtful preparation does more than calm your nerves. It genuinely reduces stress, lowers your risk of complications, and makes recovery far more comfortable—especially when you're traveling internationally for your procedure. When you arrive in Porto Alegre already organized, rested, and healthy, your body is in the best possible position to heal.
This is the companion to what your first week of recovery looks like—everything you need to do before surgery day so that week goes as smoothly as possible. Use it as a countdown, checking off each item as you go.
How to Use This Checklist
We've organized everything as a countdown—starting 6 to 8 weeks out and working down to surgery morning. Don't try to do it all at once. Tackle each section in order, lean on your coordinator for anything that's unclear, and remember: you have a whole team helping you prepare. You're not figuring this out alone.
6–8 Weeks Before: Lock In the Big Pieces
This is your planning window. The earlier you handle these items, the cheaper and easier everything becomes—flights are less expensive, time off is easier to approve, and you give your body time to get into peak healing condition.
Planning & Logistics
- Book your consultation and lock your surgery date. Everything else is scheduled around this anchor, so confirm it first.
- Sort out your passport and entry requirements. Make sure your passport is valid well past your travel dates. Entry rules for Brazil can change, so verify the current requirements for U.S. citizens before you book—your coordinator can point you in the right direction (more on visas in the FAQ below).
- Book flights with a recovery buffer. Plan to fly home 7 to 10 days after surgery, not sooner. Build in cushion so you're never rushing your healing to make a flight.
- Arrange a support person or companion. Decide whether someone will travel with you. Even if you go solo, you'll have a coordinator—but a friend or partner can be a huge comfort for the first few days.
- Request time off work. Most patients take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how physical their job is. Ask early so you have time to plan coverage.
Stop Smoking and Nicotine—This One Is Non-Negotiable
If you smoke, vape, or use any nicotine product, stopping is the single most important thing you can do before surgery. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels and starves healing tissue of oxygen. That dramatically increases the risk of poor wound healing, skin breakdown, and—critically for top surgery—nipple graft failure.
Aim to stop at least several weeks before your date, and stay nicotine-free through recovery. This includes cigarettes, vapes, patches, gum, and chew. If you need help quitting, raise it at your consultation—your surgical team would much rather support you now than manage a complication later.
Optimize Your Health Before You Travel
Nutrition & Protein
Your body rebuilds tissue with protein. In the weeks before surgery, prioritize protein-rich meals and a balanced diet. Going in well-nourished gives your skin and incisions what they need to heal.
Iron & Hydration
Healthy iron levels support recovery after surgery. Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your trip, and ask your provider whether iron support makes sense for you.
Rest & Movement
Gentle, regular movement and good sleep improve circulation and resilience. You don't need to overhaul your life—just arrive feeling rested rather than run-down.
Avoid Getting Sick
In the final week, be a little extra careful—wash your hands, avoid sick contacts, and rest. Arriving healthy keeps your surgery on schedule.
Medical Prep: Labs, Clearance & Medications
This is the part patients worry about most—and the part your surgical team will walk you through in detail. Your coordinator will tell you exactly what's required for your case. Here's the general picture so nothing catches you off guard.
Labs & Medical Clearance
- Complete any required pre-op bloodwork and labs. These can usually be done close to home and the results sent ahead. Do them early so there's time to address anything before you travel.
- Obtain medical clearance if requested. Patients with certain health conditions may need a sign-off from their primary doctor. Your team will tell you whether this applies to you.
- Manage any chronic conditions. If you have something like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a thyroid condition, make sure it's well controlled and discuss it openly with your surgical team.
Medications & Supplements
- Share your full medication list with the surgical team. Include everything—prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Nothing is too small to mention.
- Discuss stopping blood-thinning medications and supplements. Items like aspirin, NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen), fish oil, vitamin E, and certain herbal supplements can increase bleeding. Your surgeon will tell you which to pause and exactly when—never stop a prescribed medication on your own.
- Talk about testosterone. Good news: with most modern protocols you do not need to stop testosterone for top surgery. Still, always follow your surgical team's specific guidance for your situation.
Reassurance on Testosterone
Many patients arrive anxious that they'll be asked to pause their hormones. For the vast majority, that isn't necessary—staying on T through your surgery is standard with current approaches. If your case is an exception, your team will explain why and exactly what to do. The goal is always to keep you safe without disrupting your care.
Logistics & Lodging in Porto Alegre
On-the-Ground Arrangements
- Recovery accommodation near the clinic. Stay close to the hospital for your post-op window so check-ins and any concerns are quick to handle. The practice helps arrange comfortable, recovery-friendly lodging in a safe neighborhood.
- Airport transfers. Plan how you'll get from the airport to your lodging and to appointments. Your coordinator typically arranges transport so you're never stranded.
- Currency and payment. Notify your bank you'll be traveling, carry a backup card, and have a little local currency on hand for small purchases.
- Phone, SIM, and data. Set up an eSIM or international plan before you fly so you can message your coordinator, navigate, and stay in touch with home from the moment you land.
- Translation help. You'll have English-speaking support throughout, and a translation app on your phone covers everyday situations like restaurants and pharmacies.
If you're still weighing the decision, it can help to read about why patients travel to Brazil in the first place, and the full cost breakdown including travel. Many patients also find peace of mind in understanding why US patients choose Brazil for care.
What to Pack: Your Packing List
Pack light but smart. The right clothing in particular makes a real difference in those first days when reaching overhead is uncomfortable. Here's everything grouped by category.
Documents
- Passport (and a photocopy stored separately)
- Any surgeon's letters or pre-op paperwork
- Travel insurance details
- A written list of your medications and allergies
Recovery Clothing
- Loose front-button or zip-up tops (so you never lift your arms overhead)
- Comfortable, loose pants and pajamas
- Slip-on shoes (no bending or tying laces)
- A zip-up hoodie or jacket for layering
Comfort
- Travel pillow or wedge for sleeping elevated
- Phone, charger, headphones, downloaded entertainment
- Lip balm and lotion (planes and recovery dry you out)
- A reusable water bottle
Supplies
- Any prescribed or regular medications (in original packaging)
- Basic toiletries and gentle, fragrance-free soap
- A small first-aid kit (gauze, tape) for the trip home
- Universal power adapter
One thing you usually don't need to pack: the surgical binder or compression vest. These are typically provided by the clinic and fitted to you after surgery—but always confirm with your coordinator so you know exactly what's included.
Setting Up Your Recovery Space
A little setup before surgery day makes the first few days dramatically easier. The golden rule: no overhead reaching. Arrange your space so everything you need is at chest or counter height.
- Set up a place to sleep elevated. A recliner is ideal. If you don't have one, stack pillows so you can sleep on your back at an incline—lying flat will be uncomfortable.
- Keep everything within easy reach. Phone, charger, water, medications, snacks, tissues, and the remote should all be at waist-to-chest level. No reaching up, no bending down.
- Stock easy food and drinks. Pre-made meals, simple snacks, and plenty of water mean you won't have to prepare much. Your coordinator can stock groceries or arrange delivery.
- Line up easy entertainment. Download shows, books, and playlists ahead of time. The first days are mostly rest, so curate things that are comforting and low-effort.
- Have help for the first few days. Whether it's your companion or your coordinator, make sure someone can assist with small tasks while you focus on resting.
The Final Countdown: Week, Night, and Morning Of
The Week Before
- Stop any medications or supplements exactly as your surgeon instructed.
- Stay completely off nicotine and limit or avoid alcohol.
- Eat well, hydrate, and rest. Confirm your appointment times with your coordinator.
The Night Before
- Follow your fasting instructions precisely—usually no food or drink after a set time.
- Shower with any prescribed antibacterial wash if you were given one.
- Lay out loose, comfortable clothing and your documents so the morning is calm.
- Get a good night's sleep—try to go to bed early.
The Day Of
- No food, drink, smoking, or alcohol per your fasting instructions.
- Wear your loose, front-opening clothing and skip lotions, deodorant, makeup, and jewelry.
- Arrive with your documents. Your coordinator will typically transport you to the hospital.
- At check-in, expect pre-op prep, final markings with Dr. Cornélio, and an anesthesia consultation.
Mental & Emotional Prep Matters Too
Feeling nervous before top surgery is completely normal—even when it's something you've wanted for years. Excitement and anxiety often show up together, and that's okay.
Line up your support. Tell a few trusted people your dates so you have someone to check in with before and after.
Set realistic expectations. Your chest will look swollen and bruised at first—that's normal. Healing and final results take time.
Keep the long view. Understanding how to care for your scars afterward helps you stay patient through the early stages.
Preparation is a form of self-care. Every item you check off is one less thing to worry about—so you can focus on healing and on finally seeing the chest you've been waiting for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to stop testosterone before top surgery?
For most patients, no. With current protocols you generally do not need to stop testosterone for top surgery. That said, always follow your surgical team's specific guidance—if there's a reason to adjust in your case, they'll explain it clearly.
How long should I plan to stay in Brazil?
Most international patients stay about 7 to 10 days, which covers surgery, post-op check-ins, and medical clearance to fly home. Some choose to stay a little longer for extra peace of mind. You can preview the experience in our guide to what your first week of recovery looks like.
Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil for surgery (US citizens)?
Entry requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil can change, so the most important step is to verify the current rules well before you book. Confirm your passport's validity and check whether a visa is required for your trip. Your coordinator can help point you to the right resources.
What should I NOT do the week before surgery?
Don't smoke, vape, or use any nicotine. Avoid alcohol, and stop any blood-thinning medications or supplements only as directed by your surgeon. Don't start new supplements, and do your best to avoid getting sick. When in doubt, ask your team before doing anything.
Can I travel and recover alone, or do I need a companion?
Many patients travel solo and do beautifully—you'll have a dedicated English-speaking coordinator checking on you throughout recovery. A companion is welcome and can be a wonderful comfort for the first few days, but it isn't required. When you're ready, our guide on how to fly home safely after surgery covers the trip back.