Your Complete Pre-Surgery Shopping List

Everything You Actually Need

Based on Real Patient Experiences

1. Post-Surgery Garments & Bras

These are essential for proper healing and comfort. Your surgeon may have specific requirements.

For Breast Surgery (Reduction, Augmentation, Mastectomy, Lumpectomy)

• 2-3 front-closure post-surgery bras (wire-free, soft cup)

  Why you need this: Can't lift arms overhead initially. Front closure is essential for first 2-4 weeks.

  Patient insight: "I wish I'd bought 3 bras instead of 2 - having one in the wash, one drying, one wearing made life so much easier." - Kay

• Compression bras (if recommended by surgeon)

  Patient insight: "Two different compression bras saved me - I could rotate while one was washing." - Bora

  Where to get fitted: Book a free expert fitting at The Fitting Service (London or Maidstone locations). Getting professional help with sizing makes a huge difference.

For Abdominal Surgery (Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty)

• 2-3 abdominal compression garments/girdles

  Important: Make sure it doesn't overlap with your post-surgery bra if you've had both procedures. Also consider buying an expander for adjustable comfort.

  Patient insight: "The girdle overlapped with my bra which caused blisters. Get a shorter one if having both procedures. I wish I'd known how tight the girdle should be - I ended up buying an expander for comfort." - Kay

• Abdominal binder (if recommended)

For Arm Liposuction

• Compression sleeves for arms

2. Wound Care & Scar Management

• Silicone scar sheets or gel

  Patient insight: "Silicone scar sheets made a huge difference to my healing." - Bora

• Hydrocolloid dressings

  Why you need this: Protects incisions and prevents blisters from compression garments.

• Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
• Medical tape (gentle, hypoallergenic)
• Antiseptic wipes or spray
• Antibacterial ointment (if recommended by surgeon)

3. Comfort & Support Items

• Heart-shaped mastectomy pillow or recovery cushion

  Patient insight: "The heart-shaped cushion the hospital gave me was invaluable - provided support exactly where I needed it." - Jackie

• Travel/neck pillow

  Patient insight: "Neck pillow helped so much more than expected during recovery." - Bora

• Wedge pillow or multiple bed pillows

  Why you need this: You'll need to sleep elevated for the first few weeks. Invest in comfort.

• Heating pad or ice packs (check with surgeon first)
• Soft, loose button-up shirts or zip-up hoodies

  Why you need this: Can't lift arms overhead - anything that pulls over your head is impossible initially.

• Slip-on shoes (no bending to tie laces)
• Long phone charging cable (so you can reach from bed)

4. Hygiene & Personal Care

If you can't shower for 1-2 weeks:

• No-rinse body wash or cleansing wipes

  Patient insight: "You won't be able to shower for 2 weeks - invest in good cleansing products." - Kate

• Dry shampoo
• Face wipes
• Deodorant wipes
• Waterproof shower cover for incisions (when approved to shower)

5. Medications & Supplements

• Prescribed pain medication (filled before surgery)
• Stool softener (pain meds cause constipation)
• Anti-nausea medication (if prescribed)
• Arnica tablets or gel (check with surgeon)
• Supplements like Skinade (check with surgeon)

  Patient insight: "I took Skinade before and after surgery which helped my recovery." - Kay

6. Food & Nutrition Prep

• Meal prep containers

  Patient insight: "Meal prepping beforehand was a game-changer. I couldn't cook for the first week." - Olivia

• Easy-to-prepare meals (frozen, microwaveable)
• Protein shakes or smoothie ingredients
• Straws with lids (easier to drink while lying down)
• High-fiber foods (to combat constipation from pain meds)
• Easy-to-open snacks (avoid anything requiring strength to open)

7. Recovery Support (Optional but Helpful)

• Book lymphatic drainage massage sessions in advance

  Patient insight: "Manual lymphatic drainage was the most important thing for my recovery." - Kay

  Pro tip: Book these sessions BEFORE surgery as good therapists get booked up.

• Entertainment (books, tablet loaded with shows, podcasts)
• Journal to track recovery progress

8. Budgeting for After-Costs

Important: Many patients don't budget for post-surgery expenses. Here's what to expect:

Final Tips from Real Patients

• Buy everything at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Wash all new garments before surgery
• Set up your recovery space before you go to hospital
• Keep receipts - some insurance covers post-surgery garments
• Book your free post-surgery bra fitting at The Fitting Service BEFORE surgery