After having a tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo to my flanks in February, I had a better idea of what to pack for my next surgery. When I returned to Miami for lipo 360 and breast fat transfer with Dr. Daniel Kaufman, I brought supplies from my first recovery and a few things to make staying away from home easier.
If you’re planning your own surgery trip, here’s what I packed, what I paid, and what I would recommend thinking about ahead of time. These are my personal experiences, so follow your surgeon’s instructions for your recovery.
Shop for foams before your trip
One thing I would recommend is shopping for your post op foams on Amazon before you leave. At the office, they were $20 each during my visit, and that can add up when you need several. On Amazon you can get 5 for $25
Budget for your post op massages
I booked my post op massages at Dr. Kaufman’s office. They were $75 each, and I paid for six, bringing my total to $450.
This is something I would include in the recovery budget from the beginning. Ask your surgeon when to start, which areas can be treated, and how many appointments they recommend for you. 6 was the number I purchased, not a schedule everyone needs to copy. My Doctor recommended atleast 10 massages so I booked the rest with my nurse/massage therapist when I got home.
Discuss hydration and iron before surgery
After my own experience, hydration and iron are things I would definitely look into.
I had seen IV hydration offers in Miami on Groupon, I would check with my surgeon before booking to see if they offer IV’s after surgery. A hydration IV and an iron infusion are different treatments. Because of my unexpected trip to the hospital, I got an iron/hydration infusion there. It made a huge difference.
Bring your extra fajas and compression socks
After my February tummy tuck, I bought extra fajas on Amazon. I brought all of them on this trip because I honestly didn’t know what size I would need after surgery.
If you already have garments from a previous procedure, bring them as you will need them.
I also packed the compression socks I had bought, which were labeled 100% cotton. I also brought these robes on Amazon that I absolutely love.
Use compression bags for your suitcase
Definitely look into those zippered storage bags that let you squeeze or vacuum the air out. They help compress clothes so they take up less space in your suitcase.
I also had a large bag that fit my wedge pillow. Compressing it helped it lie flat enough to fit in my suitcase. When you’re packing recovery supplies along with clothes, finding a way to bring a bulky pillow makes a difference.
Organize your medications and supplements
I brought my medications and all my vitamins: zinc, iron, D3, B-complex, vitamin C, and folate. I also took extra iron during my recovery.
That is what I personally took, rather than a supplement schedule for someone else to follow.
I also brought my arnica and pineapple tea because in my personal experience they help with healing and bruising.
Check what garments the office provides
For my first surgery, I brought sports bras. This time, I purchased a medical bra from the office for $40 for my breast fat transfer(as it was required). I also bought an extra one on Amazon for $17. The one I ordered has compression sleeves designed for recovery after arm lipo. I chose that style because my arms were bruised and had fluid buildup after liposuction.
I also didn’t need a big supply of extra underwear because I was spending so much time in my faja. What you need will depend on your garment, comfort, and your team’s instructions, but this was an area where I could keep my packing simple.
Pack for drainage and dressing changes
I brought puppy pads because I knew I would have drainage, along with a clear shower curtain to protect the bed. Those were surface protection supplies, separate from the dressings used on my incisions.
I also packed a couple of packages of gauze so I could replace soaked dressings after showers. It’s easier to buy them and bring them because trying to find them in the bigger size at any Miami store is difficult.
Keep clothes simple and arrange help
I didn’t bring a lot of clothes because my husband washed them while we were there. If you’ll have access to laundry and someone who can help, you may be able to save quite a bit of suitcase space.
Having my husband there to handle things like laundry meant I had one less thing to worry about. Along with packing supplies, think about who will help with the everyday tasks while you recover. For me, that support was an important part of preparing for the trip.
Have questions or want to know more about my experience? Leave a comment or send me a message! 💕
Prices reflect my own visit and may change. These are personal packing tips and experiences, not individualized medical instructions.
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