Preparing for Breast Surgery: A Packing Checklist
So, you have a date for your procedure, and the big day is just around the corner. It’s exciting times. You may be feeling a little anxious – any type of surgery is a big deal – but this is the start of a new chapter in your life, and we’re here to help you enjoy it. A key part of that is preparing properly and knowing what to pack for breast surgery.
At Enhance Medical, we perform the vast majority of our breast procedures on a day-case basis. That means you can go home on the same day as the procedure, so you won’t typically need an overnight hospital bag.
However, you should still think carefully about what you’ll need to pack for the day itself, from the time you first arrive to the initial recovery period in our clinic. It’s also important to prepare your at-home recovery area in advance. That way, you will feel comfortable and relaxed when you return home.
What are the benefits of day-case surgery?
Just briefly, before we get into the bag packing, it’s worth explaining why we perform most of our breast enlargement, breast lift and breast reduction procedures on a day-case basis.
We find that the thought of an overnight hospital stay puts off some women who are considering breast surgery. Returning home on the same day also reduces the cost of the procedures and lowers the risk of infection.
Most people also prefer to recover in their own homes, where they feel comfortable and can get a good night’s sleep. And of course, with an outpatient procedure, you don’t need to bring so much with you.
What to pack for your breast surgery procedure
We advise all our patients to bring a single bag whenever possible, and preferably one with wheels so it’s easier to move around. A small bag should be sufficient for most patients.
So, what should you pack for your breast surgery?
- ID
- Loose, comfortable clothing that you can slip on easily after your surgery – opt for button-up or zip-up tops to avoid lifting your arms
- Comfortable underwear
- Comfortable socks or slippers – preferably slip-ons
- A dressing gown in case you get chilly
- A non-metal hair bobble so you can tie your hair up before the procedure
- Your phone and phone charger so you can update friends and family and take pre-op photos
- A book, iPad, magazine or some other form of handheld entertainment
- You may also want to download some music, a podcast or a programme to watch on your tablet or phone – you won’t need to bring headphones as you’ll have a private room
- A V-shaped pillow
- A post-operative bra or compression garment – your surgeon will advise you of your options during the consultation
- Post-op snacks – we will provide you with something to eat or drink, but you might like to bring in your favourites
- Your glasses and glasses case or contact lens case
- Any essential medications, such as diabetes medication or asthma inhalers
- A small amount of money for emergencies
If you are staying overnight, you will need to pack a few extras. Your hospital overnight bag should include a change of clothes and essential toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, cleanser and moisturiser. You’ll also need some button-up pyjamas to sleep in.
When you arrive at one of our clinics on the day of the procedure, you’ll have plenty of time to unpack, get settled in your room and put all your essentials within easy reach. Your patient coordinator will also be on hand to ensure you have everything you need.
Setting up your surgery recovery area at home
Okay, so that’s what to pack for surgery sorted, but another essential step is to make sure everything is prepared at home.
When you return home from your breast surgery, you’ll need to take it easy and get plenty of rest. To help you achieve that, it’s beneficial to create a comfortable and organised space with all the necessary supplies.
If you live alone, you’ll ideally have a friend or family member who can stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. However, we know that may not always be possible. In that case, it’s even more important to prepare.
Here are our top tips for creating a breast surgery recovery area at home.
Do any essential housework in advance
You probably don’t want to hear it, but it’s a good idea to get ahead of the housework now so you can recover in a relaxed and uncluttered environment. The last thing you’ll want is to do laundry and other chores in the first few days after your op. So, make sure you have plenty of clean pyjamas and loungewear for your recovery now, and wash those school uniforms in advance.
Put everything within easy reach
Another step is to ensure that all your self-care products, essential toiletries, medication, and entertainment are within easy reach while you recover. It’s a good idea to keep all these items in a small box that you can easily move around with you.
After breast surgery, you should avoid raising your arms above shoulder height for at least the first week. So, make sure tea bags, breakfast cereal, and anything else you might need are at chest height or lower.
Invest in some firm pillows
When resting and sleeping after breast surgery, you should raise your upper body to a 30 to 45-degree angle to reduce swelling and bruising. Having good quality, firm pillows on your sofa and bed will make that easier. If you don’t have one, a V-shaped maternity pillow can prop you up and keep you comfortable.
Prepare plenty of meals
Batch cooking may not be your idea of a good time, but your post-op self will thank you for it. Preparing enough meals for at least the first few days will keep you out of the kitchen and give you more time to rest and recover. Aim for healthy and nutritious meals with plenty of lean protein and veg that you can easily pop in the oven.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial after surgery, so if you don’t drink tap water, ensure you have plenty of bottled water in the house and make it accessible. You should aim to drink at least two litres a day to flush out your system.
Stock up on medical essentials
We prescribe painkillers to help you manage the discomfort in the first few days, but after that initial period, over-the-counter pain medication, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, should be sufficient. You may also feel nauseous after the operation. We may prescribe you anti-nausea medication, but also make sure you have a bucket on standby.
Ice packs can also become an essential item, as they help reduce pain and swelling. That makes ice packs that can fit inside your surgical bra a solid investment.
Treat yourself to a bendy straw
You might have managed perfectly well without a bendy straw until now, but when you’re spending a lot of your time virtually horizontal and taking on lots of water, a bendy straw can quickly become your best friend.
What not to bring in your breast surgery bag
When you’re packing your bag for breast surgery, there are a few items you can safely do without.
Leaving your jewellery behind is always a good idea. That includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even leave items you rarely take off, such as wedding and engagement rings. Your surgeon will ask you to remove them before surgery as they can harbour bacteria and increase the risk of infection. There’s also the risk of it getting caught on surgical drapes and other equipment.
You should also avoid bringing electrical items into the clinic. Mobile phones are fine, but portable radios and personal headphones and speakers are better left at home. And there’s no place for vapes, cigarettes or alcohol in a surgical environment.
Get safe, high-quality and affordable breast surgery at Enhance Medical
At Enhance Medical, our surgeons, patient coordinators and nursing team help you prepare for your procedure and ensure you have a smooth and comfortable recovery. Find out more about our breast surgery procedures, including what a typical breast augmentation recovery and breast reduction recovery look like, and book a free consultation to start your journey.