Before operation, initially fine and dandy (3)
I believe the answer is:
fop
'dandy' is the definition.
('fop' can be a synonym of 'dandy')
'before operation initially fine' is the wordplay.
'before' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'operation' becomes 'op'.
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'fine' is 'f'.
'op' put after 'f' is 'FOP'.
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for fop that I've seen before include "he enjoys the finest dressing" , "exquisite" , "'Dandy, coxcomb (3)'" , "Gallant" , "A man much concerned with his appearance, a dandy" .)