The art of packing for a plastic surgery procedure

It's not packing for a week-long trip to Paris, but what goes into the overnight bag for your hospital or surgical center stay following a plastic surgery procedure must be just as carefully chosen. You want to ensure you have all the essentials and a few comforts from home to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

There is an art to packing a bag, even for a short overnight stay at a medical facility. What items should get precious bag space, and what items should you leave behind?

Packing the essentials

Let's start with the essentials, the things that you cannot forget to take with you when you go in for a plastic surgery procedure. These are items like:

• Your identification
• Necessary paperwork (read and signed)
• Method of payment (if you are required to pay anything upfront)
• The name and phone number of the person who is going to be picking you up

Also, bring copies of any important medical documents you may have, such as advance care directives, a living will or a durable power of attorney. Keep these items in your purse, overnight bag or other secure location so you will not forget to take them with you on the day of your surgery.

Items to wear or bring with you and what to leave behind

Anureet Bajaj, MD, said she asks patients to wear comfortable clothing or pajamas with buttons on the front. This style makes getting dressed before and after surgery easier for patients who may be sore and lack mobility.

Echoing this sentiment, Jeffrey Roth, MD, FACS, said he asks patients to wear something comfortable that closes in the front. He also noted that patients should remember that they may need to wear postoperative bras or compression garments after surgery. Having something soft, warm and comfortable to put over these items can make you feel more relaxed and snuggly as you settle in to recover.

Some of the items you should consider leaving behind include valuables like jewelry. Leave rings, necklaces and earrings at home, even if they are everyday pieces you rarely take off, like a wedding band or studs. You may be asked to take jewelry off before surgery anyway, so it is better to keep these items stored safely at home.

Although it should be apparent, do not pack cigarettes, vapes, alcohol or other drugs. Never bring these items into a hospital or surgical center. They can also interfere with anesthesia and recovery.

You'll also want to leave behind personal speakers or anything that may be too loud or distracting to other patients. This trip isn't a beachside vacation. It is a medical facility where you may share space with someone else, and others will want some peace and quiet after surgery.

The art of packing your overnight bag

You have the time to sit and prepare for your stay, pick the things you need and remove the things you don't. Start by selecting a small bag. Think of an airplane carry-on size or smaller.

"The benefit of elective surgery is you can plan," said Sara Dickie, MD. "Don't overdo it! This is not a vacation. You don't need a bunch of outfits or toiletries, but do consider what makes you feel special and comforted."

Dr. Dickie also suggested considering where your surgery is located to help you select the items you may need to pack.

"For the hospital, expect to have night noise and interrupted sleep a lot," said Dr. Dickie. "If you are a poor sleeper, consider bringing a sleep mask, earplugs or sound-canceling headphones. If you will need to sleep in a certain position, ask if the hospital will provide a body pillow or sleep wedge. If not, ask if you can bring your own."

Sometimes, staying overnight in a surgical center is more comfortable because these facilities are more "customer-focused" and do not have to cater to various patients and situations like in a hospital setting.

"They will often have all the sleep positioners necessary and will often make concerted efforts to keep things quiet and dark for sleeping," said Dr. Dickie.

Dr. Bajaj recommended that patients with long hair consider braiding it so that it stays out of their way during their stay. She also suggests adding a warm and cozy blanket or robe for use in the facility or for the car ride home.

Beyond clothing and accessories, Dr. Roth also recommended that patients pack apple juice, saltines or something to suck on, like hard candy or lollipops.

A toiletry bag can help keep you feeling fresh and like yourself for an overnight stay, but keep things simple.

"Bring your toiletry bag as if you were going on a trip – toothbrush, razor, contact lens solution, etc. – but don't pack a bunch of makeup," said Dr. Dickie. "You won't have time or energy to do your whole face. If you have specific skincare that you use, as long as it's not contraindicated by the surgery you are having, bring that as well. The hospital is dry, and the provided moisturizers are not nice."

Dr. Roth also recommended that patients bring a pack of baby wipes and tissues. Baby wipes are fantastic post-surgery for helping you feel clean and refreshed, and they are also gentle on the skin. He suggested that patients bring a list of people to call and make a phone tree to let people close to them know what's going on in case they can't get back to friends and family immediately. He also said you should bring a pad of paper and a pen to write down any questions you may have.

That's not all you want on your packing list, though!

"And, of course, a phone charger," said Dr. Dickie.

Breaking it down into a packing list

It helps to make a list and check things off as you pack so you don't forget anything and have everything you need to make your overnight stay as peaceful and comfortable as possible. No surgery is 100 percent pain- or stress-free, so smart packing can help you make the most of your experience.

• Blanket or robe
• Comfortable clothing or pajamas that button in the front
• Warm or comfortable socks, consider slip-resistant socks with nubs on the bottoms or slippers
• Medications or assistive devices (CPAP, etc.)
• Glasses, glasses case or contact lens supplies
• Toiletries
• Baby wipes
• Tissues
• Juice, saltines or hard candy
• Sleep masks or earplugs
• Headphones
• Reading material
• Paper and writing tools
• Phone list
• Phone charger

Ask your board-certified plastic surgeon if there are any additional or specialty items you may need during your stay.

No one will look twice if you need to bring your favorite pillow or that stuffed lamb you were given when you were two years old. Surgery, even one that you are choosing to have, can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. Anything that puts your mind at ease, helps you relax or makes you more comfortable is typically okay within reason.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.