Enhancing Post-Surgical Recovery: Essential Kits and Expert Advice
The post-operative recovery kit is akin to a surgical goodie bag, brimming with products designed to prepare and restore the skin around the surgical area, vitamins to alleviate bruising, wellness-enhancing snacks and beverages, and various scar-improving substances. While many surgeons provide these items free of charge as part of their surgical fee, others offer them as optional suggestions for a smooth recovery. Leading doctors share the precise items they recommend patients use before and after plastic surgery to ensure optimal results, from the essential components of a BBL recovery kit to the must-haves after breast augmentation.
Pre- and Post-Surgical Skin Care
Using doctor-selected cleansers and serums in the weeks leading up to and following surgery can help strengthen the skin before the procedure and eliminate uncertainties about what is safe and appropriate to apply during the healing phase, when the skin is often at its most sensitive.
“While we have consistently provided patients with a medical care package for immediate post-rhinoplasty care—gauze, tape, peroxide, nasal saline spray, bacitracin—we have recently started offering patients a less conventional gift bag, which includes luxury skincare products specifically curated for post-rhinoplasty healing. Some of the items in our bag currently include IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser, an ultra-hydrating cleansing serum suitable even for the most sensitive post-op skin. After rhinoplasty, patients are advised to use a gentle cleanser, such as this one, with a washcloth, as the cast over the nose must be kept dry. Talika Eye Therapy Patches help hydrate and soothe the under-eye area after rhinoplasty, minimizing the appearance of bruising and facilitating a quicker resolution of under-eye swelling. Embryolisse Stick Lèvres is an excellent moisturizing lip balm. After rhinoplasty, patients can expect to be congested, similar to having a severe cold, for up to two weeks—and during this period of post-op obstruction, they end up breathing mainly through their mouths, especially at night, which leads to dry, cracked lips. This shea butter lip balm is deeply nourishing without being sticky.” – Dr. Dara Liotta, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City
“For the month preceding surgery, we believe that conditioning the skin on the exterior helps prepare it for a surgical procedure on the interior. Since my partner and sister, Dr. Morgan Rabach, is a dermatologist, she almost always examines my surgical patients for a consultation to assist them in preparing their skin. Most patients end up on a regimen of SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum, which contains a collection of antioxidants and growth factors to optimize healing, ISDIN Isdinceutics K-OX Eyes, and a medical-grade sunscreen that is a physical blocker, like EltaMD UV Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 41.” – Dr. Lesley Rabach, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City
“Alastin manufactures a product named INhance, which was designed for after filler injections, but I prefer using it after minor procedures like blepharoplasty, scar excisions, lip lifts, and nasal-base narrowing procedures. [It contains a peptide blend called] TriHex Technology, which expedites recovery, in a topical cream. Another remarkable product that I use before surgery on liposuction patients is Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment, which is exceptional at building elastin before a liposuction procedure. It was intended to be utilized immediately after surgery, but I actually provide it to my patients to use on the areas that will undergo liposuction for two weeks before surgery to assist in building elastin and remodeling collagen, which enhances skin elasticity after liposuction. They also use it [for] four weeks after—and they appreciate how it makes their skin feel.” – Dr. Jo An Monaco, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City
“We provide patients with a kit before surgery, containing Hibiclens, a hospital-grade antiseptic/antimicrobial soap for the shower, which they use two days before surgery and for a week after surgery. We also include a hospital-grade hand sanitizer called Avagard, to be used frequently during the recovery period.” – Dr. David Shafer, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City
Vitamin Therapy
While plastic surgeons typically require patients to abstain from alcohol, NSAIDs, and certain blood-thinning supplements, such as vitamin E, garlic, and fish oil, two weeks before surgery, the majority also suggest incorporating a few key homeopathic substances known to facilitate healing.
“For recovery from small procedures, like fillers, and surgical procedures, such as blepharoplasty, facelifts, and rhinoplasty, I provide all my patients with a surgery pack by Silagen or Alpine Pharm that contains arnica montana and bromelain—the standard agents we have employed for years to help prevent surgical bruising. I have my patients start taking these tablets 24 hours before surgery and then immediately after for a couple of days. They accelerate the remodeling process necessary with surgery.” – Dr. Monaco
“I have a compounded arnica/bromelain/vitamin K that I have all patients begin taking two to four weeks before surgery and continue taking for two weeks after surgery. I also have them take a supplement with anti-inflammatory turmeric, starting two weeks after surgery, to further diminish swelling. Since turmeric is a blood thinner, I do not introduce it until we are two weeks removed from surgery.” – Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California
“One week before surgery, we have patients start taking Boiron Arnica montana plus bromelain—fresh pineapple is an enjoyable source of bromelain, or they can consume it in pill form. They continue the supplements for a week to 10 days after surgery.” – Dr. Rabach
Related: 12 Facelift Recovery Tips to Know
Nutritional Support
Nutritionally balanced meals and adequate hydration enable the body to function more effectively—particularly after a surgery that taxes the immune system—but it’s not always straightforward to consume these essentials. That’s why plastic surgeons prefer to provide patients with these samples and suggestions.
“I encourage my patients to focus on optimizing nutrition during the pre- and postoperative periods. Sufficient intake of lean and plant-based protein stabilizes blood sugar while supporting wound healing and collagen production. Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants can assist in reducing inflammation and limiting bruising. Regular consumption of both prebiotics and probiotics supports the immune system and can help prevent any discomfort that might arise as a side effect of antibiotics. Adequate hydration is crucial to all the body’s systems and is particularly important for maintaining healthy skin as well as sustaining metabolism and digestion, which can slow down somewhat in the days following surgery. I’ve discovered that nutritionally balanced meal plans, including Eat Sunny and Sakara, assist my patients in remaining nourished effortlessly during the pre- and postoperative periods by ensuring access to whole, nutritionally dense foods.” – Dr. Adam Kolker, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City
“After surgery, I encourage patients to have a high-protein diet and to drink frequently. One of my preferred hydration beverages is coconut water. I emphasize the need for protein, particularly with vegetarians and vegans.” – Dr. Melissa Doft, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City
“I’ve recently begun exploring Eat Sunny meals for surgery patients, which can be delivered directly to their doorstep. This company has devised an excellent combination of foods rich in collagen to help boost the body’s collagen production for a superior surgical outcome. This is especially critical after a facelift or a neck lift for individuals in their 50s or 60s, as these patients have less endogenous [internal] collagen and elastin production.” – Dr. Monaco
“Two of the most significant factors for aiding healing after surgery are maintaining hydration and obtaining adequate protein intake. All our patients receive Nectar hydration packets, which provide the necessary electrolytes. For larger surgeries, like tummy tucks, I will have patients take Juven or Ensure Max, which are both high-protein drinks, to assist with healing and swelling. After any type of surgery, patients typically experience constipation, so we always supply some Miralax to assist with that. Many also have sore throats from the endotracheal tube used during anesthesia—for this, we provide Ricola throat lozenges.” – Dr. David Sieber, a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco
“We recommend consuming Muscle Milk protein shakes for two weeks before and after surgery. The added protein and nutrients are indispensable for healing. We give patients a starter pack with the shakes and then suggest they order a case from Costco.” – Dr. Shafer
Scar Management
Silicone is a hero in the realm of scar reduction, possessing the ability to make scars nearly imperceptible over time. Some surgeons find silicone gels to be the most efficacious, while others favor silicone-based strips for the convenience they offer patients.
“I employ Silagen Scar Refinement System, a pure silicone gel, [which I discover] helps penetrate a scar better than a cream or ointment formulation. I have patients start using this, beginning 21 days after surgery. This is when wound remodeling has entered the strength stage and the wound has greater tensile strength than a fresh surgical scar, so [there’s minimal to no] chance of it reopening. I always instruct my patients to massage the Silagen gel into their scar for a few minutes—this massage physically breaks down the scar while the gel is chemically remodeling it. My patients are aware they’ll be using the Silagen for at least three months after surgery. Everyone is provided with a lecture on sun protection for scars and informed that scars can mature and change for up to 12 months after surgery. I also adore Silagen scar strips, which are excellent after breast augmentation and tummy tucks, particularly for patients who don’t have the time to be concerned about applying a scar gel twice a day. The silicone sheeting will handle all the work passively. My mommy makeover patients almost always select the silicone sheeting strips, as they apply them after a morning shower and forget about them until their next shower. Silagen even sells pre-made anchor [and lollipop] scar versions for breast lift procedures.” – Dr. Monaco
“I have my deep plane facelift patients use SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline, twice daily, on their incisions, starting the day after surgery, over the stitches. They continue using the scar gel for six weeks, twice daily, along with frequently applied sunscreen and wearing hats at all times when outdoors.” – Dr. Rabach
“With every surgery, we offer a complimentary consultation with our laser specialists plus three complimentary energy treatments on post-op incisions to maximize healing. Treatments include Vbeam pulsed dye laser to reduce redness and scarring, radiofrequency to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen, fractionated CO2 laser to smooth scars and reduce pigmentation, and microneedling to assist in softening scar tissue and improving appearance.” – Dr. Shafer
Related: 9 Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips
Post-Op Compression Garments
Since consistent compression is crucial for remarkable outcomes following breast and body procedures, plastic surgeons strive to provide garments that combine quality and comfort.
“Following body contouring procedures, surgical garments offer compression, which will assist in remodeling the tissue and eliminating fluid after liposuction, buttocks augmentation, or a tummy tuck. I prefer surgery-grade garments that are specifically for stage 1, immediately after surgery, and stage 2, which is after a few weeks when the majority of the swelling has subsided but compression is still necessary to achieve the final result. These stage 2 garments typically have more movement and elasticity—I inform patients that they are comparable to Spanx.” – Dr. Monaco
“For any procedure that requires compression garments, I’m a strong advocate of Design Veronique. They are on the pricier side, but they’re more durable than many competitors and have numerous adjustments available, ensuring an excellent fit for most patients.” – Dr. Darren Smith, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City
“For breast surgery, we recommend a supportive postoperative bra. I am fond of the one by Masthead. It is very comfortable, and a portion of each sale is donated to breast cancer research. The patient is placed in the bra at the end of surgery and wears it for six weeks, day and night. Many continue to wear it [beyond that point] as they find it extremely comfortable.” – Dr. Doft
