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.
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
Heat pack for muscle pain such as lower back or side
Cool soft gel packs for breast swelling
Shower stool
Reacher: Extendable claw to reach or pick things up when you can't bend over
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.
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
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!