Preparing Before Plastic Surgery: A Shopping List for Patients

As the date of a patient's cosmetic surgery procedure draws nearer, it's important that they be ready for the surgery itself and the recovery process. Ample pre-op instructions are provided to patients to make sure they're ready for the coming weeks.

The team at our Darien plastic surgery center provides detailed information and tips to patients so they know what to expect well ahead of time. With that in mind, let's provide a shopping list for plastic surgery patients that they can use prior to their procedure. This covers some of the basics from items for pain relief to items that provide comfort.

Filling Your Prescriptions

Patients who are given prescriptions for pain killers and other kinds of medications should fill those prescriptions before the date of surgery. Getting this done ahead of time and putting your medicines in an easy-to-find place can save you a lot of hassles during the recovery process. In addition to any pain medication and antibiotics for your surgery, be sure to fill any of your normal prescriptions if applicable and as needed.

Remember, you may not be able to take certain drugs and medications until later in your recovery. Follow your surgeon's instructions.

Other Medical Supplies to Consider

While filling those prescriptions at your local drugstore, consider stocking up on some other supplies that may be needed after surgery has been performed. The following can help promote comfort and wellness while also keeping incision sites clean and sanitary:

• Non-aspirin pain medication
• Medical gauze
• Medical tape
• Antibiotic creams
• A compression garment to wear after surgery
• Cold compresses
• Baby wipes
• Vitamin C

Don't Forget the Basics

It's always a good idea to stock up on some simple items you use every day so you won't have to go out for them as you're healing. Consider grabbing some of the following:

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Tissues
• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Floss

Foods and Beverages to Buy

After plastic surgery, it's a good idea to have food and beverages on hand that are healthy, easy to eat, and easy on your stomach. It's also a good idea to have food items that either ready to eat or easy to prepare. You'll have a loved one present to help with meals, but having things that don't require prep will be better for everyone.

For food, we recommend considering the following:

• Pre-prepared Jell-O
• Pre-prepared pudding
• Yogurt
• Fresh fuits and vegetables
• Low-sodium soups
• Low-sodium crackers
• Applesauce
• Oatmeal
• Cottage cheese
• Popsicles
• Lean meats
• Fish
• Whole grains

For beverages, we recommend the following:

• Fresh water
• Sports drinks
• Ginger ale
• Clear soft drinks
• Natural fruit juices

Some Entertainment Options to Keep in Mind

Recovery doesn't need to be boring. While patients are in recovery, they can turn to their favorite sources of entertainment to help pass the time.

There are many streaming options available that don't require leaving the comfort of your home. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and a host of other online video services can help you see some of your favorite shows and catch up on movies. Spotify and Pandora can help you pass the time with music, and there are many resources to stream or download your favorite podcasts. Gamers who are healing can purchase their games online through their system.

If you're more concerned with physical media, consider passing by a bookstore, library, or your favorite entertainment media retailer to pick up something to read, watch, listen to, play, or enjoy while you are healing.