Thigh Lift Prep and Recovery checklist

Aug 12, 2013

This list is pretty similar to my LBL Recovery Checklist with a few differences:

PREP FOR SURGERY

pre-sort vitamins for the first 5 days to make it easy

Arnica Montana and Bromelain supplements.  I took them the 10 days leading up to surgery

good nutrition and exercise!  Being healthy definitely makes recovery easier!  Increase your protein intake, too.  

Stock fridge with lots of fresh veggies, fruit, high quality protein and the occasional "cheat" food :)

"Preparing for Surgery" guided meditation CD

Fill all prescriptions

Emend anti-nausea pill.  A wonder drug that prevents nausea after anesthesia.  Prescription only.

TAKE TO HOSPITAL

lip balm

glasses and case

toothbrush and toothpaste

driver's license 

eye drops

long tank dress (loose fitting) and flip flops to wear home

pillow and pillowcase (for under-leg support on way home)

RECOVERY AT HOME

Wheelchair transport company to get home from hospital

lift recliner with multiple positions.  I personally had to elevate my legs the first few days.  This felt the best to me.

small table next to recliner with basket to hold TV remote, lip balm, magazines, pain meds, IPad, cell phone and charger

pillows for placing underneath knees and calves

Comfy blankie to snuggle with

elevated toilet seat with handles.  Eases tension put on incisions.

compression garment.  Even if surgeon does not mandate it, wear it anyway.  Keeps pain and swelling down.

feminine wipes

Tres Semme dry shampoo.  Removes the greasies beautifully and removes odor.  Awesome stuff.

Assurance pads to sit and lay on.  My incision lines oozed the first 2 days and the pads absorbed them all.

Dial soap.  When I was cleared to shower (1 week after surgery...ugh) I stuck with an antibacterial soap to be on the safe side.

benadryl!  When the incisions start healing they will itch like crazy!  ARGH!

pineapple.  It contains Bromelain which speeds healing

arnica Montana.  I kept taking it with Bromelain to assist with healing.  

CLOTHES, ETC.

i stuck with a loose-fitting tank top and no underwear the first 5 days.  My legs were wrapped in gauze and ace bandages, and the drains prevented me from wearing underwear.  Once the drains were removed I switched into loose-fitting lounge pants and tank tops.  Because the incisions on the inside of the thighs are raised and almost rope-like, the sensation of the incision lines rubbing together between my legs drove me NUTS.  Wearing pants that put material in between them helped vs. wearing a nightgown.

CAREGIVER

find a very patient person.  The first 2 days following surgery are the most frustrating because your mobility is limited.  I dropped so many things on the floor and Mom had to pick them all up.  

Pre-sort your vitamins.  Makes it a lot easier.

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