How long will I be at the clinic on the day of surgery?

Most patients are at the clinic for between two and four hours in total. This includes preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery time before discharge.

What to Expect on the Day of Cosmetic Surgery

The days leading up to cosmetic surgery can feel nerve-wracking. That is completely normal. However, a lot of the anxiety around surgery day comes from not knowing what will happen.

The good news is that cosmetic surgery day at Eden Clinic is calm, organised, and straightforward. When you know what to expect at each stage, the whole experience feels far less daunting.

This guide walks you through your surgery day at Eden Clinic in Dublin, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Whether you are booked for a facelift, blepharoplasty, or any other procedure, this guide applies to you.

Before You Arrive: What to Do on the Morning of Surgery

Your pre-operative instructions will cover this in detail. However, here is a summary of the most important steps.

Do not eat or drink anything for the time period your doctor specifies. This is usually from midnight the night before.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and put back on. Avoid anything that goes over your head.
Remove all jewellery, nail polish, and makeup before you arrive. These can interfere with monitoring equipment.
Arrange your transport home in advance. You will not be able to drive yourself after surgery. A trusted adult must collect you.
Take any medications your doctor has approved as instructed. If you are unsure, contact the clinic beforehand.

Notably, arriving calm and prepared makes the whole day easier for you and for the clinical team. If you have any last-minute questions, call the clinic before you travel.

Arriving at Eden Clinic

When you arrive at Eden Clinic, a member of our team will greet you and check you in. The environment is calm and discreet.

You will be shown to a private room where you can change into a surgical gown and leave your belongings safely. A nurse will carry out some routine pre-operative checks at this stage.

These checks typically include:

Confirming your medical history and any medications you take
Recording your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels
Reviewing any consent forms and confirming your understanding of the procedure
Answering any final questions you may have

Furthermore, your surgeon will come to speak with you before the procedure begins. This is your opportunity to raise any last concerns.

Meeting Your Surgeon Before the Procedure

Your surgeon will visit you in your room before you go through to the treatment area. This pre-operative conversation is important.

During this time, your surgeon will:

Review the treatment plan agreed during your consultation
Mark the treatment area if required for your specific procedure
Confirm the areas to be treated and the approach to be used
Give you the opportunity to ask any final questions

This conversation gives you confidence going into the procedure. As a result, most patients feel calm and reassured by this point.

The Procedure Itself

All cosmetic surgery procedures at Eden Clinic are performed under local anaesthetic. Consequently, you do not need a general anaesthetic or a hospital stay.

Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the treatment area fully. Most patients feel mild pressure during this stage but very little discomfort.

Once the area is numb, your surgeon will carry out the procedure. Depending on the treatment, this typically takes between 45 minutes and two hours.

You remain awake throughout. However, many patients find they feel drowsy or relaxed once the anaesthetic takes effect. The clinical team will talk you through each stage as it happens.

Procedure times vary. For example, blepharoplasty takes approximately 45 minutes, while a facelift takes between one and two hours. Your surgeon will have given you a clear time estimate during your consultation.

Immediately After Your Procedure

Once your procedure is complete, you will be moved to a comfortable recovery area. A nurse will monitor you for a short period before you are cleared to go home.

During this time, you can expect:

Mild swelling or bruising around the treated area
Some numbness or tingling as the local anaesthetic wears off
Mild discomfort, which is managed with pain relief provided by the clinic
A dressing or bandage over the treatment area if required

Your nurse will go through your aftercare instructions with you in detail before you leave. It is important to listen carefully at this stage, as these instructions directly affect your recovery.

Going Home

Most patients leave Eden Clinic within one to two hours of their procedure finishing. However, this depends on the procedure and how you feel.

You must have a responsible adult with you to take you home. This is non-negotiable for patient safety. In addition, you should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after surgery.

When you get home, rest is the priority. Arrange your recovery space in advance so that everything you need is within easy reach.

Your Aftercare at Eden Clinic

Eden Clinic provides dedicated aftercare support for every patient. Your recovery does not end when you leave the clinic.

Your aftercare team will follow up with you by phone or video call in the days after your procedure. They will monitor your progress, answer your questions, and advise you on what is normal during recovery.

If you have any concerns at any stage, you can contact the clinic directly. You can also send photographs to be reviewed by your clinical team.

You can read more about what to expect during recovery in our dedicated guide. We also encourage you to explore the Eden Clinic contact page to reach the team at any point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat anything before surgery?

Your pre-operative instructions will specify exactly what you can and cannot eat or drink before surgery. Follow these carefully. If you are unsure, contact the clinic the day before.

How long will I be at the clinic on the day?

Most patients are at the clinic for between two and four hours in total, including preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery time before discharge.

What if I feel anxious on the day?

Feeling anxious is completely normal. Tell your nurse or surgeon how you are feeling. The team at Eden Clinic is experienced in supporting nervous patients and will take extra time to make sure you feel comfortable before anything begins.

Will I be in pain during the procedure?

No. Local anaesthetic fully numbs the treatment area before any surgical work begins. You may feel mild pressure or movement, but you should not feel pain. If you do at any stage, tell your surgeon immediately.

What should I bring with me on the day?

Bring any approved medications, a form of ID, your pre-operative paperwork, and comfortable clothing to wear home. Leave valuables at home where possible.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Cosmetic Surgery at Eden Clinic

Before You Arrive: What to Do on the Morning of Surgery

Arriving at Eden Clinic

Meeting Your Surgeon Before the Procedure

The Procedure Itself

Immediately After Your Procedure

Going Home

Your Aftercare at Eden Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Eden Clinic

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