As someone who’s been through it, I curated this list with items that actually helped—no fluff. These products supported wound care, pain relief, hygiene, and comfort during healing.
Sections
8
Pain Reducers
Clothing
Scar Treatment
Wound Treatment Go To!
Medicine/Supplements
Sleeping Must Haves
Pain Reducers
These were amazing! They help with itching while healing and swelling.
5-Piece Reusable Hot & Cold Ice Packs
I loved the compression they used at the hospital so I used this nightly to help with restless legs.
Leg Massager with Heat
Used this to help with swelling. Feels so good.
Dual Heat Abdominal Massager for Cramps & Digestion
A few weeks after surgery, I used this around my breasts to get movement and drainage.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Roller Ball
Clothing
Super comfortable and easy to put on and off.
Silk 2-Piece Pajama Set
This was ideal for the first week. Helps with compression on breasts and on upper abdomen as that does get swollen!
Zip Front Longline Sports Bra
After wearing boring surgical bras, this was a cuter version that still had front closure
Seamless Front Closure Wireless Bras 3 Pack
Quick outfit and great for appointments where you need front closure.
2-Piece Tracksuit
NEED! These are BY FAR the best after surgery bra. They’re cotton so extremely comfortable and front closure.
Fruit of the Loom Women's Cotton Bras Multi-Pack
This was great for summer surgery. Is light weight and not expensive.
Hanes Women’s Slub Knit Full-Zip Hoodie
This jacket was amazing for being out and about. I almost always wore this to my follow up appointments. Size up!
UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie
First “real” bra I bought and it’s not only cute but super comfortable. Still front closure for easy access to incisions.
Wireless Bra with Magnetic Closure
When I got hot from wearing long sleeve zip-ups, this was a great change.
Short Sleeve Zip Up
Scar Treatment
Tried and true nude colored silcone scar tape. Stays on longer than 24 hours unlike some that you have to change daily.
Silicone Scar Tape
This was the one silicone I could easily do myself. Stays on for days and is easy to tear! No scissors needed!
Soft Silicone Tape
Easier option for difficult areas!
Silicone Scar Gel
Wound Treatment Go To!
Used to help heal any incision openings.
Mepilex Border Flex Lite 3x3in Dressings
After surgery I was so annoyed with the adhesive that was left on my body. It’s so stubborn to remove but this made it so easy!
Adhesive Remover Pads
Helps to keep gauze in place.
Dressing Retention Tape 2" x 11yd, 2 Rolls
Great for larger openings
MED PRIDE Sterile Gauze Pads 4x4, 100ct
Great for drainage! This stuff saved all my bras after surgery.
MED PRIDE Sterile XXtra Absorbent Abdominal Pads 50-Pack
Used to clean incision openings before using a bandage.
I use this spray daily to make sure everything stays bacteria free!
SkinSmart Antimicrobial Wound Therapy Spray
Before I started Scar Treatment with Silicone Tape, I used this to help make sure there was no other fluid coming out of my incisions. It's kind of like pimple patches. It just sucks out all the liquid!
Hydrocolloid Bandages Roll 2" × 19.7'
Medicine/Supplements
Homeopathic nerve pain relief
Hypericum Perforatum 30C
Was recommended for me to take this so I did. Small little sugar pills.
Ruta Graveolens 30C
Awesome for wound healing. Used this for the first 2 weeks post op
I used this for the couch just to keep myself propped up and my arms up to reduce pain.
Vekkia Reading Pillow with Arm Rest, 19in
After sitting on the couch for hours, this was a life saver.
Proglobe Travel Neck Pillow 360° Support Kit
After surgery my arms were extremely sore if they were not propped up. This helped big time!
Sasttie Velvet Reading Pillow for Bed & Sofa
One of my best purchases! Used this in the car to keep the seat belt from hurting and used it the first week when sleeping to protect wounds.
MOYOAMA Post Mastectomy Pillow for Recovery
Hygiene
First few days you can’t shower so this was ideal for “bird” bath.
Mustela Baby Cleansing No-Rinse Micellar Water
Great for cleaning when unable to shower.
WaterWipes Sensitive+ Body & Intimate Wipes, 90 Count
Honestly showering is exhausting after surgery so these are ideal.
Scrubzz No Rinse Bath Wipes for Adults Bathing, Adult Rinse Free Bath Sponges - Disposable - 100 Pack
You’ll start to notice your skin get dry really really quickly. This was great to have on hand! They also have a cocoa butter version but I prefer shea!
Palmer's Shea Butter Formula Raw Shea Nourishing Body Lotion for Dry Skin, 33.8 fl. oz.
Hear me out. Did I brush my teeth with my regular toothbrush, yes! BUT the first week it was miserable to hold my electric toothbrush and these were so easy to quickly freshen up!
Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Travel Toothbrushes - Mini - Peppermint - Trial Size -24ct
This is SOOO random but amazing. After you shower, you have to make sure everything is completely dry. Well Ta Da! This little thing works magic and I can still find uses for it around the house 😂
Digital Innovations™ CleanDr® Electric Air Duster, Black
Plastic Surgeon
This is my plastic surgeon’s office. I live in Illinois, but I still drove over an hour for him! He is highly recommended and after many consultations he was the only one who I felt actually cared. He works with tons of out of state patients and has ...
