FOUNDATIONAL SUPPLIES
What I recommend most patients have on hand before and after surgery – based on what actually helps in real recovery.
Before You Buy
A quick note: sizing, materials, and timing matter more than brand names. I’ve added notes below based on what patients actually find useful – not what looks good online. Links to these products are included for ease and have been chosen to be budget-friendly as well. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I genuinely believe are useful in recovery, and feedback helps me continue refining recommendations and sharing practical tips.
Cleansing agent for your incisions and wound that will also promote proper wound healing.
Why I recommend it?
It is the best cleansing agent that is pH balanced to 5.5 to promote rather than impair proper wound healing.
Tips & Tricks
Get the big bottle! I use it for all scratches, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, or knicks on the skin. I even use it on skin breakouts.
Keep it in a cabinet out of light.
Make sure the cap is completely closed and you hear the click so it is not exposed to air.
Gauze sponges to absorb, cover, cleanse, or pad incisions, wounds, or pressure points.
Why I recommend it?
This meets the criteria to use for almost all incisions or wounds for a reasonable price.
Tips & Tricks
These are not sterile but they are clean so keep these in a plastic bag so they are not at risk for getting soiled by other items in your medicine cabinet.
No adhesive with this product – great for sensitive skin.
Non-latex, powder free gloves to keep both your hands and incisions or wounds clean.
Why I recommend it?
These are great for handling anything wound related and for those who are latex or powder sensitive, you will not have those skin reactions. I also like black so it does not show anything that can make you queasy. Pick your size!
Tips & Tricks
Make sure your hands are completely dry before putting these on or you will struggle.
You can use these gloves for almost anything – not just medical.
Soft cloth surgical tape to affix or secure gauze or dressings to the skin.
Why I recommend it?
For areas that gauze is needed to stay in place, this is a soft cloth type of adhesive so it is gentler and more comfortable on the skin.
Tips & Tricks
This tape is breathable so good for areas that tend to get sweaty or moist.
These come in perforated sheets but are not necessary to tear at each perforation. Tear or cut as needed.
A moisturizing, barrier skin ointment in a spray.
Why I recommend it?
I LOVE that this is contains beautiful, simple ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, and glycerin which helps hydrate and keep moisture in the skin. I love that it is fragrance free. Now I love that it is in a spray form too… and it works upside down!
Tips & Tricks
Do not goop this on. A thin layer will do unless you have areas of skin that are notably dry and cracked, then massage enough to soften these area.
You can avoid or minimize use in the areas that are prone to getting moist or sweaty.
If you do have dry skin on the body, use at night and wear breathable long sleeve and long pant PJs to keep moisture in. Same for hands but wear lightweight cotton gloves to sleep.
Medical grade silicone sheeting/tape to improve the appearance of scars.
Why I recommend it?
The data does not lie! For the best appearance of incisions, apply silicone to clean incisions after 2-3 weeks and keep it on for about 3 months.
Tips & Tricks
These strips can be reused if you take care of them or it can get expensive. Also get the 4-pack to save a little money.
This is not a replacement for other methods of scar treatment but when used in conjunction or even stand alone, it improves the appearance of scars better than other topical agents.
Be sure to clear the use of this with your surgeon if used post-operatively.