Friday, November 5
One of the most common questions our patients ask prior to plastic surgery is - what should I pack for the hospital or hotel? For any Mums having plastic surgery, you'll all recall what it was like packing that all-important hospital bag. Packing and prepping your bag or travels for plastic surgery requires some forethought! Especially if you're travelling far from home or staying in a hotel or hospital and won't have everything on hand. Check out our ENORMOUS list below - everything on it won't apply to all of you, so pick and choose the bits that fit your plan.
What clothing/Under Garments should I pack?
Clothing. You may not be able to lift your arms up for a little while after surgery, and loose fit clothing is a must. Button or zip up from the front. Yoga pants for the morning of surgery. PJs or nighties with buttons.Extra clothing. Body Patients: If you’re wearing a binder after surgery, consider a good supply of camisoles or undershirts to wear under your tummy binder for comfort.
For male chest reduction patients, you might want to purchase extra compression shirts - Under Armour works well and is widely available.
Traction socks. Like the ones from the non-slip play centres like BOUNCE (indoor trampolining) if you prefer to wear socks around the house.
Slip-on shoes
Everywhere belt bag. As you start moving about, drop your heavy handbag full of the kitchen sink, think light and easy. Check out these simple lightweight handsfree bags from LuLu Lemon.
Grooming and Hygiene
MODIBODI: Fabulous for the day of breast surgery if you have your period (tummy tuck surgery won't need any underwear on day of surgery). If your cycle hits - no need to remember to change tampons or pads just underwear! For tummy tuck patients who are further down the track in your healing, you might prefer to wear the Full Brief style which sits higher on the tummy away from the wound. Check them out here.
Hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes! Great if you’re staying in a hotel and you want to wipe down high touch points!! Especially important after having Surgery!
Masks. Be sure to keep some in your everywhere belt bag
Cleansing face wipes when you don’t feel like getting out of bed to wash your face and do your regular skincare routine you’ll be glad you have these.
Scented baby wipes flushable good to feel clean when you can’t shower
Flexi Straws (biodegradable) makes drinking in bed so much easier, especially for facelift patients.
Colgate Wisps: Brush your teeth and freshen your mouth without water.
Hair braids. You won’t be washing your hair for a bit, we suggest braids so you don’t have to worry about sleeping on greasy hair.
Extra hair ties
Chapstick - lips will get dry
Dry shampoo
Pain/swelling
Heat pack for muscle pain such as lower back or side
Cool soft gel packs for breast swelling
Handy Aids from Kmart
Shower stool
Reacher: Extendable claw to reach or pick things up when you can't bend over
Diet/Fluids
High Fibre Snacks
High protein snacks eg. boiled eggs
High protein shakes
Metal Water bottle - stay hydrated!
Single-serve nutritious snacks and meals. You won’t feel like cooking post-op and your bowels won’t be working as usual! Think light soup, jelly, custard, protein and nut bars, fruit, nuts, real fruit popsicles, carrot, apple and cucumber sticks, hummus dip, work great. If you are super-organised, consider cooking ahead and freezing some individual portions of your favourite meals that you can defrost and eat after your surgery. Otherwise, there is always uber eats or delivered meals such as You Foodz.
Medications
Post-op meds - be sure to fill your scripts after your pre-op appointment with Dr Cheng. You may prefer to pack your favourite stool softener!Pillbox to store your meds for each day if you need it (available from Kmart)
Entertainment
KindleAudiobook
Netflix
Headphones
Favourite subscriptions
Sleep
Aeroplane or c shaped neck pillows eg. for when you’re sleeping upright
Wedged pillow to elevate the head and help keep you on your back from dick smith and spotlight.
Pregnancy body pillow so you can prop yourself up and be supported
Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping during the day
Dressings
Extra Dressing supplies. You might need extra dressings if your wound weeps a little. Cotton maxi pads for tummy tuck and body lift patients and panty liners for breast patients are easy to find and work well.
And don't forget to bring your helper and number one supporter! You’ll need the help of someone to drive you home and help you get set up in your recovery area and care for you for the days ahead!