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Pre-Surgical Shopping List
Please Note:
The items listed here are suggestions for things that might make your recovery a bit easier, based on what was helpful for my clients, as well as items that have been recommended by those in surgical recovery groups.
Some items may be more useful to you, based on your surgery, than others. Even though I have taken some steps to organize items by certain procedures and categories, please use your own discretion when considering what to purchase.
Regarding compression and fajas - if your surgeon has a recommended brand or type, please follow their advise first and foremost. - One of the reasons I've made these resources available is for those who may have received little to no guidance after surgery. (This does sometimes happen depending on where or with whom your surgery was done.)
These are only suggestions.
In the spirit of transparency, I may make commissions on some of these items. This helps support me and helps me to provide "lo-bono" sessions to clients who identify with historically marginalized groups who may not be able to afford lymphatic drainage care, but need it to help improve their quality of life.
The Most Useful Essentials
These are the most common, and useful items for bodily cosmetic procedures, including liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast procedures, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), etc.
However, there are lists below of additional items specifically for certain procedures, as well as a list of recovery items for neck & face lifts.
Item Name | Product Description | Image | **Notes:** |
|---|---|---|---|
DAVID ARCHY Camisole Tops - Various Colors | Bamboo Rayon Soft Breathable Women's Undershirts - 3 Pack | ||
Minibee Dress | Oversize Casual Midi Dresses with Pockets | ||
Blissford Plastic Mattress Protector Full, Fitted Sheet Style, Waterproof | In all bed sizes - Waterproof, Vinyl Mattress Cover, Heavy Duty Breathable | Protects your mattress and also makes it easier for you to roll over in bed when you're sore and moving around is harder to do in the first couple of weeks. | |
Amazon Basics Puppy Pads with Quick-Dry 5-Layer Leak-Proof Design | X-Large Size 28 x 34 Inch, Pack of 40, Blue & White | Extremely helpful in protecting your sheets from incisional fluid leakage the first few days after surgery. | |
Micropore Surgical Tape | 1 in. x 10 yd./Tan/1 Single Roll | Used to secure wound dressings over incisions. Hypoallergenic & water resistant. | |
Cetaphil Face and Body Wipes, | Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths, 50 Count, Twin Pack, for Dry, Sensitive Skin, Flip Top Closure. | Useful in staying clean the 1st couple of days until you're cleared to take a shower | |
SHEWEE Flexi | The Original Female Urinal – Made in The UK – Reusable, Flexible & Portable Urination Device | Can be used with fajas that have a groin opening, to make going to the restroom easier/without removing your full garment. | |
ForPro Professional Collection Extra Large Hand Mirror with Handle | 9" W x 12" L, Multi-Purpose Handheld Mirror with Distortion-Free Reflection, Black | Helpful for checking on incisions that you might not be able to see, for example on the back (back & "bra-roll " liposuction), underarm (upper arm lipo), etc. | |
Sukuos Large Weekly Pill Organizer - 7 Day (4 Times a Day) | Moisture-Resistant, Daily Pill Box Medicine Cases for Vitamin/Fish Oil/Supplements - Rainbow Colors | Keep your antibiotics, supplements, & any pain meds accounted for. | |
RMS 34 Inch Extra Long Reacher Grabber | Foldable Gripper and Reaching Tool with Rotating Jaw | Particularly helpful if you've have a tummy tuck and cannot bend over, had a breast procedure and have limited arm/shoulder range of motion, or if you are wearing a lot of foam in your faja; making if difficult to bend. | |
RMS Deluxe 28 Inches Long Dressing Stick | Dressing Aid for Shoes, Socks, Shirts and Pants | Can be helpful in putting on socks, shoes, or pants if you cannot bend over or have limited range of motion. | |
YSSOA Folding Camping Stool, Portable, Collapsible | Camp Stool, Folding Foot Rest for Lightweight Compact Chair, Foldable Footstool Ottoman | An easy solution if you need to prop your feet up to rest or sleep more upright. | |
Drive Medical RTL12202KDR Shower Chair with Back, Adjustable Stool with Suction Feet | Shower Seat for Inside Shower or Tub, Bathroom Bench Bath Chair 300 LB Weight Cap, Grey | Surgery can leave you feeling tired more quickly than usual. A shower chair makes it safer for you to shower without falling. Also helpful if you are carrying around drains after surgery. | |
Drive Medical 10210-1 2-Button Folding Walker with Wheels | Rolling Walker, Front Wheel Walker, Lightweight Walkers for Seniors and Adults Weighing Up To 350 Pounds, Adjustable Height, Silver | Particularly helpful after tummy tuck or lipedema removal surgeries, when walking feels a bit difficult. | |
MedVance Soft Silicone Tape with Perforation for Easy Cut Size | 1" Width (1 Pack, 5 Yards) | For FULLY HEALED INCISIONS - preferably with surgeon's approval. Helps flatten and approve the appearance of incisional scars. |
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Comfy Clothing for the Recovery Period
Many folks struggle with finding clothing after surgery that is comfortable, easy to put on, easy to care for, & is also stylish. Here are a few selections in my search for clothing that meets these criteria.
Item Name | Item Description | Image |
|---|---|---|
CUSHIONAIRE Women's Feather Cloud Recovery Slide Sandals with +Comfort | Tons of different colors | |
Womens Tank Tops Seamless | Black, White, Gray, or Nude | |
DAVID ARCHY Tank Tops - 3 Pack - Various Colors | Bamboo, Rayon, Women's Camisoles/Undershirts - 3 Pack | |
Minibee Ruffle Midi Dress | Oversize Casual with Pockets | |
Poetsky Summer Tunic Tops for Leggings | with Pockets, Short Sleeve, Casual, Long T Shirts | |
Poetsky Long Sweater to Wear with Leggings | Long Sleeve, Tunic Tops, Loose Fit, Dressy, Tunic Sweaters w/ Pockets | |
Jacansi Women's V-Neck Casual Maxi Dress | Long Sleeve/Short Sleeve, with Hoodie & Pockets | |
OFEEFAN Women's Fall Outfits, Tunic Dress | Long Sleeve, with Pockets, Buttons | |
Natural Feelings Buttercloud High Waisted Leggings | Ultra Soft Stretch Opaque Slim Yoga Leggings | |
Juzo Basic 20-30 mmHg Compression Stockings, Knee High, Open Toe | Compression Socks for Women for Moderate Edema, Post-Op |
Breast Lift, Mastectomy, & Reconstruction
Item Name | Item Description | Product Image | **Notes:** |
|---|---|---|---|
Post Surgery Recovery Night Gown Robe with Drain Pockets | 4 inner pockets to carry drains or pain pumps.
Top-quality materials made of peach skin fabrics that will keep the skin fresh.
¾ sleeve length that eases the IV access. | Made by the Snatched Body brand. | |
Seatbelt Pillow for Post-Surgery Comfort | Plush, Supportive Cushion for Chest & Abdominal Surgery Recovery | Designed by a double mastectomy, cancer survivor, woman owned business. | |
ReCoverease Mastectomy Drain Pouch for Breast Cancer Treatment & Recovery Supplies | Essential Post Surgery Must Haves & Recovery Gift - Comfortable Drain Holder Belt (Petite 0-10) | Available in sizes XS - XL, designed by a double mastectomy, cancer survivor, woman owned business. | |
Drain Holder Adjustable Belt for JP Drainage Bulb | After Tummy Tuck, Post Breast Surgery, Supplies, Mastectomy, Cancer Recovery | Drain bulbs attach to belt | |
TRS | Pour Through Mesh Drain Holder Bag | Ideal for Shower Post-Surgery | Mastectomy | Tummy Tuck | Limited Mobility Aid | Bathroom Safety | Medical Drain Belt | Pockets for holding drain bulbs |
Compression Accessories
Product Name | Description | Product Image | **Notes: |
|---|---|---|---|
ContourMD Medical Grade Post Lipo Foam Compression Sheets (3-Sheet Set) | ContourMD has more than 35 years of experience in manufacturing medical compression garment for post-surgical recovery processes. | These are the highest quality lipo-foam sheets that I have found. I recommend these over any other lip-foam sheets available on Amazon. | |
Closecret Women's Longline Corset Bra Extender for Bustiers Shapewear Waist Cincher | Package included: 2 pcs of bra extenders(18 Hooks) with black & nude. 3/4 inch(1.9cm) spacing between two hook centers. | Extenders can be used when moving into a smaller/next stage faja if you want to minimize the number of garments you'll need to buy, - Size down 2 sizes, and use these to expand your faja. Then remove as swelling subsides. | |
Waist Foam Boards (Pair) | Lateral Compression Foams for a Snatched Waist | These lipo foam boards help reduce swelling and promote a beautifully sculpted waistline. | Great for preventing fibrosis at the flanks. Shaped to perfectly hug your waist, giving you superior comfort and targeted support right where you need it. | |
SNATCHED BODY -360 Compression Board | Full Torso Post-Lipo & Abdominoplasty Waist Support | This unique wrap around compression board covers and protects your entire midsection; abdomen, waist, and back. It ensures your compression garment applies pressure evenly for a smooth, consistent contour all the way around. | Beyond just shaping, it gives your back some extra TLC, supporting your posture. | |
Abdominal Board | Post-Op Compression Foam Board with Silicone for Lipo-Marks | Spreads pressure evenly across your abdomen, keeping your skin taut and smooth. No more worries about wrinkles or permanent marks messing with your pristine results. | The body-safe silicone bars apply targeted pressure, working to mold and visibly improve the appearance of any lipo-marks, ensuring a super uniform and aesthetically pleasing finish. They also keep the board securely in place. | |
IMPRESA Lumbar Molder Liposuction Back Board - One Size | Beige Polystyrene - Breathable Post Surgery Compression Board - Low Back Support | May be more well fitted for longer torsos. | |
Lumbar Board for Lipo 360 Recovery | Post Surgery BBL Back Board - by Snatched Body | Medical-Grade Quality: Durable, safe, and expertly designed for your peace of mind.
Comfortable to Wear All Day: No irritation or stiffness, just reliable support so you can heal confidently. | Essential After Lipo 360 or BBL: Reduces swelling, creases, and fluid retention.
Contours to Your Body: Molds perfectly under your faja with no bulges or irritation. | |
Contour Fajas - Wrap Around Foam | This accessory is fitted inside the faja to provide equal and adequate compression to the torso.
The compression reduces swelling and helps prevent the build up of fluid. | Made and distributed from Colombia. The wrap around lipo foam helps the skin to reattach to the muscle after a liposuction procedure. | |
CaliCurves Fupa Compression Pad | Adds compression in mons pubis/"fupa" area to reduce swelling after cosmetic procedures. Item can be hand washed and air dried. |
Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Recovery:
Item Name | Item Description | Product Image | **Notes:** |
|---|---|---|---|
Nylatex Wrap -- 4" Wide x 36" Long | 3 Pack - made by Chattanooga brand | I recommend these for clients having excess swelling in the lower abdomen (resembling a "muffin top") after TT. Using this as a binder to "scoop" the swelling in and lift up, helps reduce swelling. | |
Nylatex Wrap -- 6" Wide x 48" Long | 1 Pack - made by Chattanooga brand | I recommend these for clients having excess swelling in the lower abdomen (resembling a "muffin top") after TT. Using this as a binder to "scoop" the swelling in and lift up, helps reduce swelling. | |
Seatbelt Pillow for Post-Surgery Comfort | Plush, Supportive Cushion for Chest & Abdominal Surgery Recovery | Designed by a double mastectomy, cancer survivor, woman owned business. | |
Post Surgery Recovery Night Gown Robe with Drain Pockets | 4 inner pockets to carry drains or pain pumps.
Top-quality materials made of peach skin fabrics that will keep the skin fresh.
¾ sleeve length that eases the IV access. | Made by the Snatched Body brand. | |
ReCoverease Mastectomy Drain Pouch for Breast Cancer Treatment & Recovery Supplies | Essential Post Surgery Must Haves & Recovery Gift - Comfortable Drain Holder Belt (Petite 0-10) | Available in sizes XS - XL, designed by a double mastectomy, cancer survivor, woman owned business. | |
Drain Holder Adjustable Belt for JP Drainage Bulb | After Tummy Tuck Post Breast Surgery Supplies Mastectomy Cancer Recovery Large | Drain bulbs attach to belt. | |
TRS | Pour Through Mesh Drain Holder Bag | Ideal for Shower Post-Surgery | Mastectomy | Tummy Tuck | Limited Mobility Aid | Bathroom Safety | Medical Drain Belt | Pockets for holding drain bulbs. |
BBL Recovery & Preparation:
Item | Description | Image | **Notes:** |
|---|
Useful Books on Recovery & Preparation:
Book Title | Author | Cover Image |
|---|---|---|
Plastic Surgery Recovery Handbook | Kathleen Helen Lisson, CLT | |
Recovery Culture: Juicy Secrets and Strategies for Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, and Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery | Christine M. Acosta, CMT | |
Healthy Healing After Surgery: A better and faster recovery | Heather Flexor, DPT, CWS |
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