The Definitive Packing List for Your Recovery House Stay
Flying to Miami for cosmetic surgery is exciting — but packing for it is different from packing for a vacation. You are not bringing sundresses and heels. You are bringing compression garments and button-front tops. The better prepared you are, the smoother your recovery will be.
This list covers everything you need for a recovery house stay after BBL, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, liposuction, or any other cosmetic procedure. It is organized by category so nothing gets forgotten.
Documents and Medical Information
These are non-negotiable. Pack them in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.
- Surgeon's contact information — office number, after-hours line, and address
- Pre-op and post-op instruction sheets from your surgeon
- Prescription list — names, dosages, and schedule for all medications
- Photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Payment confirmation for your recovery house stay
- Flight itinerary — your recovery house needs your arrival time for airport pickup
- Emergency contact information written down (not just in your phone)
Clothing
Think comfort, accessibility, and dark colors (in case of drainage or spotting).
- 3-4 button-front or zip-front tops — you will not be able to pull anything over your head for the first week, especially after breast surgery or tummy tuck
- 3-4 pairs of loose drawstring pants or shorts — nothing with a waistband that presses on your abdomen
- Slip-on shoes or sandals — you will not be able to bend down to tie laces
- A comfortable robe — for walking around the recovery house
- Underwear you do not mind staining — dark colors recommended
- A hoodie or light jacket — recovery houses keep the temperature cool
- Compression garments — your surgeon will provide these or tell you which to buy. Bring at least 2 so you can wash and rotate
Pro tip: Pack everything in dark colors. Post-surgical drainage can stain fabric, and dark clothing hides it.
Personal Care
Keep it simple. You will not be doing a full beauty routine.
- Gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer
- Dry shampoo — washing your hair may be difficult for the first few days
- Lip balm — anesthesia and medications dry out your lips
- Unscented body wipes or moist towelettes — for freshening up between showers
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair ties if you have long hair
- Minimal makeup (optional — most patients skip this entirely during recovery)
Skip the perfume and scented products. Strong scents can cause nausea when you are recovering from anesthesia.
Recovery Supplies
Some of these your surgeon will provide. Others you should bring yourself.
- BBL pillow (if you are having a BBL) — your recovery house likely provides these, but bring your own if your surgeon recommended a specific one
- Wedge pillow or neck pillow — for comfortable elevated sleeping after tummy tuck
- Arnica supplements — helps reduce bruising and swelling (start before surgery if your surgeon approves)
- Stool softeners — pain medications cause constipation. This is not optional.
- Electrolyte packets (Liquid IV, Pedialyte) — hydration is critical for recovery
- Protein shakes or collagen powder — easy nutrition when you do not have an appetite
- Silicone scar strips — for when your surgeon clears you to start scar care
- A small bag for medications — keeps everything organized and accessible
Entertainment
You will be resting a lot. Boredom is real.
- Phone and charger (bring a long charging cable — you may not be near an outlet)
- Tablet or laptop with downloaded shows and movies (do not rely on WiFi for streaming)
- Headphones or earbuds
- Books, magazines, or a Kindle
- Journal — many patients find it helpful to document their recovery journey
- Portable battery pack — so you never run out of phone charge
What NOT to Bring
Leave these at home. Seriously.
- Tight clothing — anything that requires pulling over your head, zipping behind you, or squeezing into
- High heels or shoes that require bending — you are recovering from surgery, not going to brunch
- Heavy luggage — you will not be able to lift it. Pack in a lightweight carry-on and a checked bag your travel companion can handle
- Anything requiring overhead reaching — if you cannot reach it from waist height, you do not need it
- Excessive jewelry or valuables — keep it simple and secure
- Too many clothes — you will wear the same rotation of comfortable items for your entire stay
What Bodied in MIA Provides
Do not overpack. Here is what is already waiting for you at our [recovery suites](/recovery-suites):
- All meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks designed for recovery nutrition
- Linens and towels — fresh and clean throughout your stay
- BBL pillows — available for all BBL patients
- WiFi — for staying connected with family
- Basic toiletries — soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Airport transportation — pickup and drop-off included
- Surgeon appointment transportation — rides to your follow-up visits
- 24/7 care staff — the most important thing we provide
Packing Timeline
2 Weeks Before Surgery:
- Order compression garments if not provided by your surgeon
- Buy arnica, stool softeners, and electrolyte packets
- Start breaking in your slip-on shoes if they are new
1 Week Before:
- Lay out everything from this list
- Download entertainment to your devices
- Confirm your recovery house booking and share your flight details
Night Before:
- Pack documents in your carry-on
- Set out your travel outfit (button-front top, loose pants, slip-on shoes)
- Charge all devices
The Bottom Line
Packing smart means packing for comfort and recovery — not for style. Everything in your bag should be easy to put on, easy to take off, and designed to support your healing. Leave the cute outfits for your post-recovery life.
At Bodied in MIA, we handle everything from meals to [massage](/mobile-massage) to transportation. Your job is to show up, heal, and enjoy your results. [Check our pricing](/pricing) to see what is included in your recovery package.