Having chips for tea before an operation is hazardous - even if you go under the knife days after tucking in with your fork -  warns a leading boob job surgeon. 

Potatoes can have a negative effect on circulation and may interfere with your anaesthetic, because the simple spud contains Solanaceous Glycoalkaloids (SGAs), which are also found in tomatoes and aubergines.

"Even tiny amounts of SGA can impede the metabolism of many commonly used anaesthetics and muscle relaxants," says London Plastic Surgeon Christopher Inglefield. 

"The negative effect on your circulation may inhibit healing too," he adds. "And it's not just breast augmentation operations that put you at risk, other surgical procedures can also be hazardous."

The American Society of Anaesiologists has  warned that even moderate potato consumption days before surgery can result in 'SGA blood levels being high enough to prolong the effects of anaesthesia' says an AMA report.

 "Tuna, chicken, rice, vegetables and soups, are all good foods to eat in the days leading to surgery, as well as after surgery," adds Mr Inglefield. 

There are other measures that could help ensure best results on the theatre table and in overall surgical experiences. Two weeks prior to going under the knife you should stop taking all blood thinning medications, says Mr Inglefield from the surgery's HQ in London's Wimpole Street.

 "As well as avoiding medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, you should also stop taking supplements like vitamin E, omega 3, fish oil and garlic," he adds.

"These supplements thin the blood also and could intervene with the healing process.

"Mr Inglefield stresses the importance of not smoking, as even a single cigarette can have a negative effect on recovery and the overall outcome of your surgery, with nicotine and carbon monoxide being the big dangers.

"Carbon monoxide stops oxygen from being carried to your cells and therefore smothers healthy, healing tissue which stands in the way of you recovering from surgery," he said. If that's not bad enough, the nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict. "This makes it more difficult for your body to deliver blood, oxygen and all the nutrients needed to heal breast surgery wounds," he explained. "Not only does this slow down healing, it puts you more at risk of infection, wound breakdown and many other complications following surgery."

Two weeks prior to surgery is also the time to be arranging transportation to and from surgery. "If you have young children you also need to make arrangements if you need someone to look after them on the day of your surgery," says Mr Inglefield, who also advises that no alcohol should be drunk a week before your operation date. "Alcohol doesn't just thin the blood and therefore affect the healing process, it also dries out the skin," he said.

"This can make it harder for your surgeons to stitch your skin together and lead to worse scarring." If you develop a cold or other infection a week before surgery, it's important to let the clinic know. "It doesn't mean we will cancel your surgery, but means we can assist in getting you treated and the issue resolved before your breast augmentation," Mr Inglefield said. The day before surgery is a good time to get your hospital bag packed. But don't worry about bringing a bigger new bra, as the clinic will provide you with a surgical bra following your procedure.

"Do bring a recovery pack with you, though, containing things like a bank card, a bottle of water and some dry snacks," Mr Inglefield added. He also advises packing a scar recovery cream which staff will be happy to demonstrate how to apply during your recovery.

"A silicone based scar gel can really help ease the appearance of scars following a breast augmentation. Staff will show you how to massage the gel in to give you the optimum chance of splendid healing with minimal scars." And finally be prepared to rest up in a happy home environment.

"I'm a strong believer that feeling happy and relaxed following breast augmentation surgery will aid recovery," Mr Inglefield said. "Make sure you're returning to a tidy home so you're not tempted to be cleaning up. Instead, line up some decent boxsets, put your feet up and enjoy!" ​

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