Nobody’s perfect; most of us have some sort of insecurity about our looks. A 2018 survey found that over three-fourths of American adults were dissatisfied with their bodies.
Some people make peace with their imperfections, but others seek medical help to feel better. However, plastic surgery can be expensive, which is why many Americans cross the border for their procedures. Not only can you find esteemed surgeons in Mexico, but prices are also significantly lower.
Are you now interested in a Mexico plastic surgery vacation? Then read to find out what to pack for your trip.
Important Documents and Money
No matter where you’re coming from, you must have a valid passport to travel to Mexico. Check that it won’t expire while you’re there, as you’ll have issues returning home. It’s best to have at least six months remaining on your passport since most airlines have this requirement.
You should also check if you need a visa to travel to Mexico. If that’s the case, then apply for one early to avoid scrambling for your papers.
In addition, print out several copies of your medical records. Attach this to your surgeon’s contact information, which you should print out as well.
Also, bring plenty of cash alongside your credit and/or debit cards. Mexico is a largely cash-based country, so it helps to have bills of various denominations for everyday purchases.
Electronic Devices
While traveling and recovering, you’ll want to stay entertained. So make sure you bring your favorite electronic devices, and that they’re loaded up with music, podcasts, games, shows, movies, etc.
The good news is that if you’re coming from the US or Canada, you won’t have to bring a travel adapter since Mexico uses the same outlets. Just remember to pack all your chargers; you want to make sure everything has enough power to last your whole trip. This is especially true for your phone if you want to keep in touch with loved ones and your laptop if you want to work while recovering.
Clothing
It’s extremely important that you pack comfortable clothes so you feel okay after your surgery. Of course, you’ll need your soft pajamas to sleep in, and maybe a plush robe to hang out in, but what else?
In general, you should bring loose and lightweight clothes, especially if you’ve had a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, as you don’t want the fabric constricting you and rubbing against the incisions. You’ll experience swelling too, so loose-fitting clothes will accommodate that.
Check the weather ahead of time to ensure you have the appropriate clothing to accommodate your time in Mexico. It’s mainly warm year-round in Cancun, so loose cotton oversized T-shirts and floaty summer dresses will be best. Try not to wear restrictive clothing with buttons and zippers, and stick to stretchy garments that can pull on and won’t feel too tight.
Slip-on shoes are great too. Have a pair of outside shoes and indoor slippers so you don’t contaminate things in your recovery room. For your outside shoes, they should be comfortable and without laces or buckles, so you can get them on and off without issue. Sliders or flip-flops are a favorite of most patients, and with the good climate, they are easy to wear without feeling cold!
Don’t forget to pack clean underwear (that’s not too tight) and socks as well. Compression socks are also good for your flight home.
Medications
If you’re on prescription medications, you’ll want to bring enough plus a little extra in case of emergencies. They’ll need to be in their original packaging. Those on psychotropic medications will need an official prescription from their doctors and a certified translation in English or Spanish.
You’ll have minor pain and discomfort after your surgery, and your surgeon will most likely prescribe you medicine to alleviate those things. However, it doesn’t hurt to also bring over-the-counter (OTC) medications and pain relievers you’re familiar with.
Many patients also struggle with bowel movements after surgery, so a preemptive move is to bring laxatives and stool softeners. Your doctor can prescribe these for you though if you forget.
Toiletries
You can always buy toiletries while on your plastic surgery vacation in Mexico, but you want to minimize movement as much as possible and focus on recovery instead. This means that it’s essential to pack all your favored toiletries so you have them on hand when you arrive.
Along with your toothbrush and toothpaste, you should bring things to manage your hair, such as a hairbrush, hairbands, and hair ties. For those with long hair, it needs to be tied back for your procedure.
Those who wear glasses and contacts will want to bring these too, along with any solutions and accessories they may need.
Other travel-size items you should bring include:
- Shampoo/dry shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Lotion
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
- Face masks
If you’re someone who menstruates, and there’s a chance you’ll have your period while in Mexico, then pack pads instead of tampons. It may be difficult to put tampons in after your surgery, and you’ll have to change them at least every four to eight hours to lessen your chances of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
To ensure that you get good quality sleep, you might want to bring a sleep mask and earplugs.
What You Shouldn’t Pack
We’ve covered what you should pack, but there are also things you should leave at home.
The first is jewelry. You shouldn’t be wearing any during or after the surgery. Take out all the pieces you can; if you’re struggling, make an appointment with your piercer to ensure the jewelry comes out safely.
The second is large sums of cash and/or valuables. Yes, Mexico is largely cash-based, but you should only bring enough cash to get by each day. Your hotel won’t be held responsible if anything’s stolen, although many will have a safe in the room to keep your valuables in.
Generally speaking, don’t overpack either. Remember that you’ll likely still be uncomfortable and you’ll be restricted from lifting heavier objects when you fly home, so you don’t want to be hauling a bulky suitcase.
Be Prepared for Your Mexico Plastic Surgery Vacation
A Mexico plastic surgery vacation can be a fantastic idea if you want work done but find prices too expensive in your home country.
It may seem like a more expensive and even daunting route to travel internationally for your desired procedures. However, if you find a reputable surgeon and plan your trip smartly, you’ll save a significant amount of money without compromising on the results.
If you’re ready to explore your plastic surgery options, then contact us today. We have one of the best all-inclusive plastic surgery packages in Mexico and we use cutting-edge technology to achieve top-quality results.