Altering your appearance in any way with plastic surgery is a personal decision and not one to be taken lightly. Dr. Tracy McCall at Lake Country Plastic and Hand Surgery in Milwaukee, WI, takes the time to listen to the concerns of each of her patients in order to understand how best to serve them and provide their desired results. Your treatment plan will be established based on your unique concerns, strategically planned in such a way to meet your expectations. As part of the preparatory process, Dr. McCall will provide you with a list of pre-surgical and post-surgical steps to take, such as a shopping list before surgery. Stocking up on certain items in advance can ensure that you are adequately prepared for a successful outcome. Outlined below are some items to consider purchasing before undergoing surgery.
Prescription Medications and Medical Supplies
Before surgery, Dr. McCall will prescribe you with medications for pain relief and to counteract infection. You will want to start taking these immediately after surgery. Filling these in advance allows you to be better prepared for your recovery. Other medications to purchase may include over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. Below is a list of other medical supplies to include:
- Medication time chart to help you keep track of your medications
- Bandages, gauze, and medical tape for wound care
- Ice packs to reduce swelling
- Silicone scar sheets or scar treatment cream
- Antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin
- Arnica gel or bromelain to help with bruising
Postsurgical Clothing
Depending on the type of plastic surgery performed, you may be required to wear a compression garment after surgery to help reduce swelling. You will want to purchase this in advance, in addition to comfortable clothing. For facial surgeries, you will need to wear shirts that button so you can avoid putting clothing over your head. Doing so could irritate the incision area and cause discomfort or complications. For body contouring or breast surgeries, you will want to invest in larger, looser fitting clothing with soft elastic bands.
Food and Entertainment
Because part of your recovery will include resting at home, you will want to make sure the area that you will spend most of your time is fully stocked with entertainment, comforts, and some of your favorite foods. Because a healthy diet is a key part of your recovery, you also want to stock your pantry and fridge with healthy and nutritious foods that are easy to prepare and eat, including:
- Lean meats
- Fruits and vegetables
- Low sodium soups
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt
- Low sodium crackers
- Fresh juices
- Bottled water
- Popsicles
- Protein bars
- Protein shakes or smoothies
Other items to consider when setting up your recovery area:
- Pillows
- Soft blankets
- Fresh sheets
- Side table for easy access
- Laptop or tablet and your cell phone
- Chargers
- TV remote controls
- DVDs
- Netflix
- Books
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When planning your shopping list, plan on purchasing enough for at least two to eight weeks. For the first few weeks, you will want to spend your time focusing on your recovery. You will more than likely not have the energy to leave the house, much less walk around a grocery store. By planning ahead, you can make your recovery as smooth as possible. For more shopping list tips or answers to your plastic surgery questions, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. McCall.
