Quick Reference: Packing Essentials
Here's what nobody tells you before your first surgery trip: packing wrong can make recovery miserable. Imagine trying to pull a t-shirt over your head after a breast lift. Or discovering you forgot your phone charger and can't communicate with anyone. Or realizing on day three that you have nothing comfortable to wear because everything pulls on your incisions.
This packing list is compiled from thousands of patients who've made the trip to Medellín. It covers the obvious stuff, the non-obvious stuff, and the "wish I'd thought of that" stuff. Print it out. Use it. Your post-op self will thank you.
One beautiful thing about Medellín: the weather is consistently perfect. No winter coats. No rain gear (okay, maybe a light jacket—afternoon showers happen). Just comfortable, light clothing appropriate for 70–80°F weather year-round. Pack for eternal spring.
What This Guide Covers
Documents & Money
These go in your carry-on. Never check anything irreplaceable.
Essential Documents Checklist
Absolute Must-Haves:
- ☐ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ☐ Flight confirmation
- ☐ Surgeon's contact information
- ☐ Recovery house/hotel confirmation
- ☐ Medical tourism insurance documents
- ☐ Pre-operative lab results (if done at home)
- ☐ Surgical quote/payment confirmation
Important Extras:
- ☐ Copy of passport (separate from original)
- ☐ Travel insurance documents
- ☐ Emergency contact list
- ☐ List of current medications
- ☐ List of allergies
- ☐ Credit/debit cards (notify bank of travel)
- ☐ $300–$500 USD cash (small bills)
Pro Tip: Go Digital
Store photos/scans of all documents in your phone AND email them to yourself. If anything gets lost, you can access copies. Create a folder called "Colombia Surgery" with everything in it.
Clothing for Recovery
The #1 rule: nothing that goes over your head. You won't want to raise your arms, and pulling fabric over incisions or swelling is painful. Everything should be front-opening, loose, and comfortable.
Clothing Essentials
- Button-front or zip-up shirts (4–6): Loose-fitting, soft fabric. These are essential.
- Loose pants/joggers (3–4): Elastic waist, soft material. No jeans.
- Maxi dresses or loose sundresses (2–3): Great for body procedures—step in, no arm raising. For women.
- Comfortable underwear (7+): High-waisted for tummy procedures. Cotton, breathable.
- Front-close bras (2–3): For breast procedures. Sports bras with front zippers work well.
- Slip-on shoes: No laces. You may not be able to bend over.
- Light jacket or cardigan: For air-conditioned clinics and occasional cooler evenings.
- Robe: A short, lightweight robe is perfect for recovery house living.
Clothing by Procedure
BBL/Body: Very loose pants (you can't sit normally). Maxi dresses are ideal. BBL pillow if not provided.
Breast procedures: Front-close sports bras, button shirts, nothing tight around chest.
Tummy tuck: High-waisted underwear, very loose pants, slip-on shoes (can't bend).
Facial procedures: Button shirts (nothing over head), sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Arm lift: Very loose sleeves or sleeveless, front-opening tops only.
Recovery Essentials
These items make the difference between a comfortable recovery and a miserable one:
Recovery Must-Haves
- Neck pillow: For sleeping elevated and for the flight home
- Wedge pillow (or buy there): For sleeping at an incline post-surgery
- BBL pillow: If having a BBL—check if your surgeon provides one
- Extra-long phone charger: You won't want to get up constantly to charge
- Stool softeners: Anesthesia and pain meds cause constipation. Essential.
- Throat lozenges: Anesthesia tube irritates throat
- Lip balm: Lips get dry from medications and mouth breathing
- Hand sanitizer: Incision hygiene matters
- Silicone scar sheets: Start after incisions heal; cheaper at home than in Colombia
- Small travel blanket: Clinics and planes are cold
Nice-to-Have Comfort Items
- U-shaped pregnancy pillow: Perfect for sleeping after body procedures
- Bed tray: Eating in bed is real life for a few days
- Bendy straws: Drinking while lying down
- Wet wipes: For freshening up when you can't shower
- Dry shampoo: Hair washing is limited initially
- Peppermint oil: Helps with post-anesthesia nausea
- Arnica tablets/cream: May help with bruising (check with surgeon)
Electronics & Entertainment
You'll have a lot of downtime. Come prepared to stay entertained without moving much.
Electronics Checklist
- Phone + extra-long charging cable: Your lifeline for communication
- Tablet/iPad: Better for watching content than phone
- E-reader (Kindle): Reading without holding heavy books
- Wireless earbuds/headphones: For shows, music, and calls
- Portable charger/power bank: For travel days and appointments
- Universal power adapter: Colombia uses US-style outlets (Type A/B)—you're good!
- Downloaded content: Netflix, shows, movies, podcasts—download before you go
Toiletries & Personal Care
Bring From Home
- ☐ Prescription medications (in original containers)
- ☐ Basic toiletries (travel sizes for carry-on)
- ☐ Sunscreen SPF 50+
- ☐ Gentle, fragrance-free soap
- ☐ Baby wipes (unscented)
- ☐ Deodorant (you may not shower immediately)
- ☐ Contact lens supplies if needed
- ☐ Hair ties (long hair)
- ☐ Makeup for the trip home (concealer for bruising)
Buy in Medellín
- • Full-size toiletries (cheaper, less to carry)
- • Compression garments (better selection locally)
- • Extra medications prescribed post-op
- • Anything you forget—Medellín has everything
El Tesoro and Santa Fe malls have pharmacies, supermarkets, and all major stores.
Procedure-Specific Items
For BBL Patients
- ☐ BBL pillow (confirm if surgeon provides one)
- ☐ Very loose, flowy pants and dresses
- ☐ Inflatable donut cushion (backup)
- ☐ Compression garment (usually provided, but bring backup)
For Breast Procedure Patients
- ☐ Front-closing sports bras (2–3)
- ☐ Button-down shirts only
- ☐ Soft, padded bralettes for later recovery
For Facial Procedure Patients
- ☐ Large, dark sunglasses (hide bruising)
- ☐ Wide-brimmed hat
- ☐ Scarf or high-collar shirt (for neck procedures)
- ☐ Frozen pea bags (easier than ice packs—buy there)
For Tummy Tuck Patients
- ☐ High-waisted underwear (several pairs)
- ☐ Very loose, stretchy pants
- ☐ Abdominal binder (usually provided)
- ☐ Grabber/reacher tool (can't bend over)
What NOT to Pack
Leave These at Home
- Pullover shirts/sweaters: You won't be able to lift arms above head
- Tight jeans or fitted pants: Painful with swelling and compression garments
- High heels or lace-up shoes: You can't bend over to tie them
- Expensive jewelry: Risk of loss; can't wear during surgery anyway
- Heavy books: Use e-reader instead
- Lots of makeup: You won't be going out; just bring basics for travel home
- Work laptop (if possible): You're recovering, not working
- Tight underwear: Will be uncomfortable with swelling
- Heavy luggage: You won't be able to lift it post-surgery
What to Buy in Medellín
Medellín is a major city with excellent shopping. Some things are better to buy there:
Smart Local Purchases
- Compression garments: Better selection, custom fitting available, significantly cheaper
- Full-size toiletries: No need to carry heavy liquids
- Snacks and comfort food: Stock up after arrival
- Wedge pillow: Can buy cheaply and leave behind
- Frozen vegetables for icing: Cheaper than gel packs
- Extra gauze, bandages: Pharmacies have everything
- Colombian coffee: Best in the world—stock up for home!
Rappi app delivers everything to your recovery house—groceries, pharmacy, food.
Final Packing Tips
- Pack light going TO Medellín: Leave room for compression garments and items you'll buy
- Use packing cubes: Stay organized when you can't dig through bags
- Put recovery items on top: Access easily without unpacking everything
- Carry-on essentials: Docs, meds, 1 change of clothes, chargers—in case checked bag is delayed
- Consider wheelchair service at airport: Long walks are hard post-surgery