Your Own Post-Surgery Kit: Essentials You Shouldn’t Skip

Recovering from surgery is a journey, and having the right essentials at hand can make that journey more comfortable and well-supported. Many patients ask “what to pack for surgery” or search for surgery recovery tips online. The truth is that while every recovery is unique, there are a few commonly recommended items that may help reduce discomfort, support your body, and make you feel more confident as you return to daily life.

Here’s what to consider when building your own post-surgery recovery kit:
 

1. A Medical-Grade Compression Garment

One of the most important investments after surgery is a high-quality compression garment. These garments are designed to:

• Support circulation and reduce swelling
• May help minimise bruising
• Provide comfort and stability for the operated area
• Contribute to improved healing outcomes when used as advised by a healthcare professional

For breast surgeries, explore our full range of compression bras that provide essential post-operative support. For other body procedures, LIPOELASTIC compression garments are designed to fit different recovery needs while ensuring comfort and safety.

⇒ You can also search by procedure to find the garment most suitable for your specific surgery. And if you’re considering compression for everyday use, read our blog on compression leggings to see how they fit into daily wellness routines.

2. Comfortable, Easy-to-Wear Clothing

After surgery, comfort is key. Choose soft, loose-fitting clothes that are easy to take on and off without putting strain on your body. Front-opening tops or dresses with zippers and buttons can be especially practical during the first few weeks of recovery.

3. Scar Care Essentials

Looking after your scars is often an important part of the healing process. Scar care products such as silicone gel and silicone sheets are commonly recommended by surgeons, as they may help soften and flatten scars while keeping the skin hydrated and protected.

Pair your garment with our LIPOELASTIC® scar care range, which includes, silicone gels and sheets designed to support scar management during recovery.

When thinking about what to pack for surgery, adding a trusted scar care product to your kit ensures you’re prepared from day one.

4. Supportive Pillows and Positioning Aids

Sleeping comfortably can be challenging post-surgery. Wedge pillows, V-pillows, or specially designed positioning cushions can help keep you supported in a safe position, whether that means sleeping slightly elevated or preventing you from rolling over at night.

For extra comfort during the day, many patients also use compression leggings, which may help reduce swelling and relieve the feeling of heavy legs.

⇒ Read more about compression therapy and its benefits.

5. Hydration and Nutrition Boosts

Your body needs extra support while healing, so staying hydrated and maintaining balanced nutrition is essential. Stock up on water bottles to keep fluids at hand and consider protein-rich snacks to aid your recovery routine.

As part of everyday wellness, some people also choose to include collagen supplements. Our LIPOELASTIC Collagen Drink contains hydrolysed marine collagen (Naticol®) along with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and copper.

• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and supports the immune system.
• Magnesium and iron help reduce tiredness and fatigue.
• Zinc and copper support skin health and connective tissues.
• Selenium contributes to the maintenance of healthy hair, nails, and thyroid function.

With its raspberry flavour naturally sweetened with stevia, it’s a convenient way to support overall wellbeing as part of your daily routine.

6. Pain and Swelling Relief

Cold packs or gel packs can provide soothing relief and may help reduce swelling. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions on when and how to use them, especially in the early days of recovery.

Combining cold therapy with post-surgical compression garments is often recommended. For example, ACTIVE leggings provide structured compression, making them a reliable choice for recovery and beyond.

7. A Little Extra Comfort

Recovery isn’t just physical; it can also be emotional. Adding small items that help you relax and stay positive can make a difference: a favourite blanket, soothing herbal teas, headphones for calming playlists, or a good book to keep your mind occupied.

If you’re often on your feet, FLOW leggings may provide light massage and gentle support,  a small detail that can make a big difference in how comfortable and positive you feel during recovery.

Why Your Recovery Kit Matters

Being prepared can ease stress and allow you to focus more fully on healing. With the right essentials - from certified compression garments and scar care products to wellness support like collagen drinks and compression leggings - you may find recovery to be more comfortable and manageable.

These post-surgery recovery tips are not one-size-fits-all, but they may help guide you in creating a personalised kit. Whether you’re looking for surgery recovery tips or building your own list of post-surgical compression garments, having the right items in place means you’ll always feel more prepared.

Keep exploring:

• Post‑Surgery Swelling: What Patients Should Know
• Compression Garments: 3 Tips You Want to Know
• Massaging Leggings – The New Trend in Leg & Skin Wellness