What to Pack For Surgery

If you’re starting to think about what to pack in your Hospital Bag ahead of your Surgery, then you’re in the right place. Our go-to Surgery Packing List has it all – from Recovery Essentials to the Creature Comforts that you’ll be relieved you packed if your Hospital stay is longer than you anticipated. As well as What To Pack For Surgery, we’ve also covered off on things that you should leave at home.

Do I Need A Hospital Bag for Day Surgery?

Yes, always bring a Hospital Bag for any surgical procedure, including Day Surgery procedures. While most Plastic Surgery procedures are considered Day Surgery, and you’ll likely be discharged 2 to 3 hours after you wake from anaesthesia, you may be required to stay longer in hospital if unforeseen circumstances arise. In these instances, you’ll be grateful to be overprepared.

What Should I Pack for Surgery?

Personal Essentials

• Wallet with photo ID, Medicare Card and a small amount of cash for vending machines, the cafeteria, or the hospital pharmacy
• Mobile Phone
• Mobile Charger – If you’ve got one, we recommend bringing an extra-long cord if you can as the socket may not always be close or could be behind your bed, so depending on your procedure, twisting to reach the charger may be difficult
• Headphones to tap into your entertainment without disrupting those around you
• Glasses or contact lenses and their case
• Prescription Medications in their Original Packaging – please also note that you MUST have advised your Surgeon of any medications well ahead of your surgery date.

Clothing

• Post-Surgery Support Garments – Your Surgeon will advise on the best style and brand of compression garment for your procedure. This may include compression bras for Breast Surgery clients, or other surgery-specific garments to help your body heal after Face or Body Surgery.
• 1 – 2 loose-fitting outfits – Please note that depending on the nature of your surgery, your range of movement after surgery may be restricted somewhat. For ease of removal during your recovery, we recommend clothing with buttons or zips at the front. We also recommend dark coloured fabrics.
• Dressing gown, jacket, or cardigan because hospitals can get cold. We recommend something mid-length with pockets if you’ve got it.
• 2 sets of Pyjamas – Again, choose loose-fitting pyjamas that are easy to put on.
• Slippers or socks with grip
• Slip-on, flat shoes
• Underpants 

Entertainment

Visiting hours don’t last forever and there’s only so much scrolling and swiping we can do in a day. So, we recommend you consider bringing one or more of the following:

• A Good Book
• A Magazine
• An e-Reader with Charger
• A Tablet with Charger
• Laptop with Charger

Self-Care Items

• Wet Wipes – If you have little ones, then chances are you’re well aware of how handy wet wipes are. Post Operatively, Wet Wipes are a ‘must’. They offer a quick and easy way to freshen up if visitors pop by without having to move too far or risk getting your surgical wound wet. Also worth noting is that for some procedures, like a Tummy Tuck, clients can only have sponge baths initially, making wet wipes even more essential.
• Travel-Size Toiletries including:
  • Hand Sanitiser
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Body and Face Wash
  • Dry Shampoo
  • Deodorant
  • Moisturiser
• Lip Balm
• Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Dental Floss
• Sanitary items
• Hairbrush and hairbands

Comfort Items

• Gentle laxatives (e.g. Movicol sachets) to ease constipation symptoms following anaesthetic. If you’d like to know more about why this occurs, be sure to speak to your Surgeon in your pre-surgery consultations.
• Neck pillow, sleeping mask and ear plugs – Not a heavy sleeper? Hospital wards can be bright and can be noisy from time to time. These items will help you to rest more easily and in turn, speed along your recovery.
• Drink bottle with a straw – Hydration promotes optimal healing so pack a refillable drink bottle with a straw, or bring some reusable straws, so that you can drink water easily while reclined in bed.
• Icepacks to reduce swelling.

WHAT NOT TO BRING TO HOSPITAL

There is always a slight risk of loss or theft anywhere and unfortunately, hospitals are no exception. So, to avoid losing items of great value, please leave them at home. This includes:

• Jewellery – please note, all jewellery must be removed prior to surgery anyway, so best to leave them at home
• Large Sums of Money
• Debit or Credit Cards
• Expensive Laptops or other Electronic Items.

FURTHER Information

To learn more about making preparations ahead of your surgery date, feel free to connect with our friendly Client Support Team.