The Importance of Surgery Kits for Recovery and Optimal Healing

Most people undergoing any surgical procedure would agree that a good amount of anxiety arises from anticipating the recovery process. It’s natural to feel stressed, scared, or overwhelmed by the fear of the unknown before or after surgery. Patients of elective procedures are in a unique position because while aesthetic operations can be a life-changing opportunity, the thought of “going under the knife” and the prospect of being in pain isn’t exactly exciting. However, there are ways to take some control of the unknown, and diligent pre-op preparation can make a huge difference in making recovery a comfortable process. Many patients find creating a surgery kit that includes everything they’ll need to heal after their unique procedure. From prescriptions and scar treatments to supplements and at-home entertainment, keep reading to learn about how to curate the perfect recovery kit:

Why are surgery kits important? 

Preparing for surgery involves many components, and the more intense the procedure, the more considerations there are. Patients may have to take time off work, find child/pet care, and arrange for someone to take them home and care for them in their most vulnerable moments. Beyond that, there are consultations with the surgeon, plus pre and post-op instructions to understand. All of this can be overwhelming before even factoring in the anxiety around what the recovery experience will look like, so creating a surgery kit can help ease peace of mind while ensuring patients have all the tools necessary for a smooth healing process. 

How do kits help recovery?

The most important aspect of healing following surgery is rest, and it’s impossible for patients to truly relax if they’re constantly on their feet scrambling to get their recovery supplies in order. Patients can maintain total focus on healing by having their prescriptions filled, scar management products at the ready, and healthy snacks already prepared. Intentionally including holistic products to quell inflammation, boost immune protection, alleviate swelling, and naturally reduce pain increases the chance of a successful and efficient recovery. 

What should I include?

Successful kits contain products and supplies that will make a patient’s life easier while supporting the healing process, leading to enhanced long-term results. While individuals will have unique needs based on their specific surgery, there are basic components and universal supplies essential for every kit, including:

• Medications: Prior to surgery, patients should fill any necessary prescriptions and buy over-the-counter pain relievers to avoid trekking to the pharmacy after leaving the hospital. Keep these medications and their instructions handy to stay on top of proper dosages. 
• Supplements: Many people choose to incorporate holistic remedies with their prescribed medications to aid the body’s natural healing process. Here are some essential supplements that are beneficial for recovery:
  • Magnesium is an essential mineral with pain and stress-relieving properties 
  • Arnica is a popular homeopathic remedy known for its restorative purposes when treating bruises and wounds
  • Zinc is a vital mineral that supports immune function and helps reduce the risk of infection
  • Vitamin C helps produce collagen, ensuring optimized wound healing and minimal scar formation
• Instructions: Patients should keep all pre- and post-op instructions provided by the surgeon. These instructions should include a detailed scar protocol, steps for wound healing and caring for stitches, including rules around bathing, timelines for resuming work and exercise, and any other necessary medical information like what supplements and medications to avoid during recovery. 
• Scar treatment: Diligent wound care significantly reduces the appearance and performance of scar formation. Including topical treatments and customizable silicone scar shields in a surgery kit makes wound treatment easy and accessible. 
• Entertainment: Most surgeries require patients to take time off of work, exercise routines, and strenuous movements, leaving little to do but sit around all day. Adding books and magazines or prepping streaming services for binge-watching on your devices lets patients seamlessly slip into their downtime. 
• Hygiene products: While many procedures have restrictions around bathing — some people may have to wait a day or two before showering and sometimes longer for baths — keeping wounds clean and maintaining personal hygiene is vital for avoiding infection. Things like wet wipes, washcloths, and dry shampoo/leave-in conditioner are helpful when a patient can’t take a traditional shower or bath. New bandages, clean gauze, and fresh medical tape are also a must in any recovery kit. 
• Healthy food: No one should have to worry about cooking while they heal from an operation, so having pre-prepared meals or a designated person to cook relieves a lot of anxiety. Patients should focus on maintaining a balanced diet with essential nutrients for healing while also staying hydrated (keeping a refillable water bottle nearby is helpful for hydration). In some cases, it may be hard to sustain an appetite after surgery, so healthy snacks and foods that are easy to go down, like soup, make for great recovery supplies.  
• Comfortable clothing: Staying cozy and avoiding irritating incisions/stitches is imperative for avoiding discomfort. Loose clothing made of soft, breathable materials like cotton is ideal. Patients who will need special surgical garments should make sure to include them in their kits. 

Can I buy pre-organized kits?

Some people prefer to hand-select every item of their recovery kit, but there are numerous online options for buying one pre-organized. Barrett Recovery offers multiple kits and bundles that include products for both general surgeries and specially curated for different cosmetic operations, including Mommy Makeovers, liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and BBLs. These kits promote faster healing, aid pain relief, minimize scar formation, and ensure comfort and mobility, guaranteeing a better recovery.