What to Bring to Breast Explant Surgery

You’ve scheduled the breast explant surgery and you’re so excited for the healing to come, but now you’re left wondering – What do I pack for breast explant surgery?! 

I’m giving you the full list I wish I had before my own explant surgery. The necessities, the niceties and the things in between. Here’s what I packed and found most helpful for my breast explant surgery. I packed them because I traveled to my surgery, but perhaps you just need to have these on hand if you are going with someone local. 

 

Inflammation, pain care, and general supplementation for well-being:

• Icewrap 3 Hot and Cold Ice Packs – These were convenient for my 30-mins-on, 30-mins-off ice therapy following surgery. 
• TDW Electrolytes – Especially following a surgical procedure, it’s important to ensure optimal hydration and electrolyte levels. 
• TDW Bone Broth Protein – Absolutely clutch because of how easy it is on digestion and how versatile to consume (hot drinks, smoothies, mixed into solid foods, etc.). I had this 2x per day because my doctor wanted me to get 100 grams of protein per day for tissue healing. 
• Bone broth – Incredibly healing, and soothing on the stomach, too. Collagen and amino acids aid in tissue repair. I love FOND – use code TAYLORDUKES), or if you come to Austin area, then definitely check out Picnik and The Well restaurant. 
• TDW Mineral Salt – I brought this for added minerals and for extra nourishment for my adrenals. I use it in drinks, on food, etc. 
• TDW Magnesium – My holy grail. I never miss a night. It aids in relaxation and relief from muscle soreness. 
• Mountain Valley Spring Water – I always travel with this glass bottled water so I don’t have to worry about finding filtered water. 
• TDW Bind – A binder to help detox from any toxins or other icky things that were either mandatory or released during surgery. 
• Boiron Arnica (on Fullscript) – For natural pain relief/bruising. 
• TDW Inflammation Support – Made of whole-root turmeric which is great for pain relief and calming inflammation in the body.
• Boiron Staphysagria (on Fullscript) – For incision and surgical wound healing. 
• Magnesium Citrate by Pure Encapsulation (on Fullscript) – I took this in order to keep bowels moving after anesthesia. 
• TDW Liver Support – Anesthesia and all the medications can be tough on the liver, so extra support is always beneficial to support general detox. 
• TDW Methyl Aid – This helps support methylation pathways. Surgery is tough on the body and adds an extra stressor/burden to detox, so supporting methylation within the body is very important to me. 

 

Pillows for sleeping upright at least 1-2 weeks after surgery:

• Two options include: Lunix Pillow + Cozymaker 7.5” Bed Wedge Pillow

 

PJs and clothing:

The main thing you’ll want is comfortable options that are button down or at least easy on and off. For the first few days after surgery, I lived in cozy loungewear and pajamas. I’m including some of my favorite below!

• Air Curvey 4 Piece Camisole 
• Kirundo Women’s 2 Piece Outfit
• Amazon Essentials Cotton Pajamas
• Dwell and Slumber dresses (side note, I loved these for pregnancy/postpartum, too!)
• MATE the Label – This was a splurge, but I love this organic cotton waffle jogger and long-sleeve button-up. I’ve lived in this thing since surgery!
• Petite Plume pajamas – These are the comfiest luxury jammies, and I have/love the evergreen colorway. 
• Super soft jogger pajamas

 

Personal care items:

Bring whatever you already use. I did not wear makeup for days after surgery, but it felt nice to wash my face and put on moisturizer. I did shower a day after surgery, so I was thankful for my body wash.

• CLEARSTEM skincare (use code TAYLORDUKES)
• Primally Pure facial cleansing oil, body wash and deodorant (use code TAYLORDUKES)
• Primally Pure dry shampoo (use code TAYLORDUKES)
• ACURE shampoo and conditioner
• RiseWell toothpaste (use code TAYLORDUKES)

 

Niceties but not necessities for relaxation and upleveled inflammation care:

• PEMF mat (use code TAYLOR15) – If y’all have been following me any length of time, you know this is my all-time favorite device for nervous system health and facilitating good sleep. 
• LUMEBOX (use code DUKESWELLNESS) – I did this for 5 minutes on each side of my stomach daily after surgery, and it helped so much with lowering puffiness and inflammation. 

I got a blowout. Yes, this is a luxury and might sound funny, but it was a game changer for me since you can’t shampoo your hair solo (can’t lift your arms) for a few days after surgery. I scheduled the blowout for the day before surgery. Depending on where you’re staying and the options around you, I’d stock up on all of your favorite healthy snacks. 

 

Podcasts and other listens for pre-surgery:

• Lauryn’s Explant Surgery Ft. Dr. Robert Whitfield AKA “Breast Implant Illness Expert” & Everything You Want To Know About Implants & Explants
• The Truth About Breast Implant Illness, Plastic Surgery, Explant Surgery, & How To Listen To Your Bodies Signals Ft. Candice Barley
• My podcast episode with my explant surgeon, Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD
• My Instagram stories – Highlight 1 and Highlight 2 where I detail all the things about my explant experience

 

Congratulations for making this decision and taking a huge step toward healing! I can’t wait for you to experience the freedom, lightness and clarity I found in having explant surgery. You got this!

 

Stay Updated on All Things Wellness

At Taylor Dukes Wellness, we are always working on new ways to serve you on your health journey. Be the first to learn about new healthy living resources, blog posts, and TDW offerings, by getting on my insider list here.

And get deeper support through my TDW Community. When you become a member, you get access to functional medicine expertise from me and my team, a digital library of exclusive wellness content like deep dives, live monthly Q&As with me and more.