Pack smart, recover better. You are spending 2–3 weeks in Colombia, and for most of that time you will be in recovery mode — swollen, sore, living in a compression garment, and unable to sit normally. What you bring (and what you leave behind) directly affects how comfortable those weeks will be. This is the packing list BBL patients wish they had before their first trip.
The Non-Negotiables
BBL Pillow
A BBL pillow (also called a booty pillow) keeps pressure on your thighs instead of your buttocks when you need to sit. You will use this for meals, car rides, and flights for the first 2–6 weeks. Bring one from home — while available in Colombia, having yours from day one avoids scrambling to find one post-surgery. Inflatable versions pack flat in your luggage.
Compression Garments
Your surgeon may provide one, but bring at least two — you need to wash one while wearing the other. A full-body compression garment (sometimes called a faja) that covers your torso and buttocks is standard for BBL + Lipo 360. Buy surgical-grade garments, not shapewear from a department store. If you are unsure about sizing, ask your surgeon's coordinator — they can recommend the right size and brand. Colombians are also famously good at fajas, so high-quality garments are readily available locally.
Absorbent Pads
Lipo incision sites drain fluid for the first 3–5 days. Pack chux pads (disposable absorbent bed pads) to protect your mattress and dark towels to sit on. Menstrual pads or incontinence pads work well tucked under your compression garment to catch drainage. These are also available at Colombian pharmacies if you run out.
Clothing
- Loose, front-opening tops. You cannot pull anything over your head comfortably for the first week. Button-down shirts, zip-up hoodies, and wrap tops are essential. Pack 4–5.
- Loose dresses or muumuus. The easiest thing to wear during recovery — no waistbands, no buttons at the waist, and they accommodate your compression garment underneath. Many patients live in these for weeks 1–3.
- Loose pants with soft waistbands. No jeans, no structured pants. Drawstring joggers, wide-leg palazzo pants, or maternity-style pants with soft elastic. Pack 3–4 pairs.
- Dark underwear. Drainage can stain. Bring underwear you do not mind throwing away.
- Slip-on shoes. Bending over to tie shoes is painful for the first 1–2 weeks. Slides, slip-ons, or Velcro closures only.
- One comfortable outfit for the flight home. You will be wearing your compression garment under loose, soft clothing. A long, loose dress with a cardigan is the most popular choice.
💡 Skip the Cute Outfits
You will not need your best clothes. Recovery in Colombia is not a fashion event — it is a medical process that happens to take place in a beautiful country. Pack for comfort and function. You can explore Medellín's restaurants in a muumuu and slides. Nobody cares. You will thank yourself for every stretchy, loose, easy-to-wash item you brought instead of structured clothing you cannot get over your garment.
Medical and Self-Care
- Prescribed medications from home. If you take any daily medications, bring enough for the full trip plus a buffer.
- Arnica supplements. Many surgeons recommend arnica montana (oral and topical) to reduce bruising and swelling. Start a few days before surgery.
- Stool softeners. Anaesthesia and pain medications cause constipation. Bring stool softeners and start taking them immediately post-surgery. Also available at Colombian pharmacies.
- Gentle body wash. Fragrance-free, gentle wash for around incision sites. Avoid anything harsh.
- Scar treatment. Silicone scar strips or sheets for after your incisions close (your surgeon will advise when to start). Not needed immediately but good to have.
- Zinc and vitamin C supplements. Both support wound healing. Many surgeons recommend them.
- Thermometer. To monitor for fever, which can indicate infection.
- A long grabber tool. Sounds silly. Is a lifesaver. Picking things up off the floor, reaching items on high shelves — all painful when your core is recovering from lipo. A $10 grabber tool from any pharmacy becomes your best friend.
Comfort and Entertainment
- Stomach sleeping pillow or wedge. You will sleep on your stomach or side for weeks. A body pillow or pregnancy pillow makes this dramatically more comfortable.
- Entertainment for downtime. Loaded tablet, downloaded shows and movies, books, audiobooks, podcasts. You will have long hours of rest where you need mental stimulation.
- Comfortable headphones. For entertainment while resting without disturbing others.
- Extension cord or multi-port charger. Your phone, tablet, and headphones all need charging, and the outlet might not be near your bed.
- Snacks from home. Comfort snacks you cannot easily find in Colombia. Protein bars, favourite teas, specific crackers — whatever makes you feel at home during recovery. Colombian supermarkets have excellent options too, but having a few familiar items is comforting.
Travel Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip)
- Travel insurance that covers medical complications abroad. Verify it covers elective surgery complications. This is not optional — it is essential.
- Cash (USD or COP). Colombia is increasingly card-friendly, but cash is useful for taxis, small purchases, and tipping. $200–$300 in cash is a reasonable starting amount.
- International phone plan or local SIM. WhatsApp is essential for communicating with your clinic and coordinator. Make sure you have data access.
- Copies of all medical documents. Pre-op lab results, your surgeon's consultation notes, medication list, and emergency contact information. Keep digital copies on your phone and printed copies in your bag.
- Power adapter. Colombia uses the same plug type as the US (Type A/B, 110V). If you are from Europe, UK, or Australia, you will need an adapter.
🧳 What NOT to Bring
Do not overpack. You are not going to need: formal outfits, heels, jeans, tight clothing, heavy jackets (Colombia's surgery cities are warm), or anything that requires effort to put on or take off. Your suitcase should be at least half empty going to Colombia — you may buy things there (fajas, medications, comfortable clothing) that you need to bring home. Leave room.
What to Buy in Colombia
Some items are better purchased locally:
- Compression garments (fajas): Colombia is the world capital of fajas. Higher quality and lower prices than most international options. Your clinic can direct you to reputable faja shops.
- Lymphatic drainage massage: Book locally. $20–$40 per session, widely available.
- Medications: Colombian pharmacies sell most post-operative medications without prescription at lower prices than the US. Your clinic will advise.
- Comfortable clothing: If you need additional loose clothing, Colombian stores have affordable options.
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Get Free Quote →The Bottom Line
Packing for a BBL trip is packing for comfort, not style. Everything in your suitcase should serve one purpose: making your recovery as smooth and stress-free as possible. The grabber tool, the BBL pillow, the muumuus, the stool softeners — these are the unsexy items that actually matter. Pack them, and leave the heels at home.
Read more: Recovery Timeline | Cost Breakdown | Safety Guide | Lipo 360 + BBL