What Can Self Care and Nutrition do for You Before and After Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery can give you dramatic, impressive changes in your appearance that make you look younger and give you a boost of self-confidence. But remember that plastic surgery is still surgery, and things can go wrong, especially if you don’t take care of yourself before and after the procedure.

Your chances of impressive plastic surgery results are much higher if you adhere to specific standards before and after your plastic surgery, as highlighted below. Remember, whether you have liposuction, a mommy makeover, or facelift, your body will need proper nutrition to heal well.

Nutrition Matters Before And After Surgery

When you have surgery, swelling and inflammation are your body’s natural reactions. They happen because the body sends extra blood to the site of the trauma and incision, which carries nutrients and platelets that help the healing process.

However, there can be so much swelling and inflammation that it harms your recovery; it can reach a point where the pain is extreme, and your incisions won’t heal. To reduce swelling after your plastic surgery, you should ice and elevate the area as much as your can.

Elevation puts the swollen body part above the head to discourage excessive blood flow, while icing calms irritated tissue and relieves pain. For example, if you have a brow lift, make sure you sleep with your head elevated for a few days to reduce pain and swelling.

But there is something else you can do before and after the surgery to help your recovery: eating a healthy diet.

The foods you eat significantly affect blood pressure, weight, mood, and your body’s overall function. Food has so much control over how the body operates, it also dictates how well it will respond to surgery and trauma.

Before Surgery Nutrition

Before surgery, you should eat foods that are low in sodium, including the following.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are always important to eat, but especially before surgery. These foods contain many nutrients and vitamins that are essential for your body to function well and to heal.

Fiber is essential for your health, as are antioxidants to fight infections. It’s wise to up your intake of fruits and vegetables before your surgery. Some foods that could be especially helpful include:

Oranges
Apples
Bananas
Carrots
Lettuce
Broccoli

Whole Grains

Whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet, but many whole grain breads tend to have a lot of sodium. Try to find low-sodium whole-grain bread before surgery, so you can get the fiber you need without extra salt.

Meats

Red meat is high in protein but contains omega-3 fatty acids that can increase bleeding during and after surgery. You’ll need protein before surgery, but choose lean, healthy meats, such as fish, lean pork, and chicken.

Also, lean on unsalted nuts, raw beans, and eggs.

Dairy Products

Dairy foods often contain trans fats and sodium to preserve them. So, look for low-sodium cheese and low-fat milk. Yogurt is also good.

After Surgery Nutrition

Post-surgery nutrition is also essential. Eating correctly after your plastic surgery will ensure that you have a smooth recovery and healing process. After the body goes through trauma, good nutrition helps to heal faster.

Vitamins and supplements are generally undesirable after surgery, so fueling the body with wholesome foods is important.

Some of the foods you should eat to aid your healing process are:

Lean meats
Whole grains, oatmeal, farro, and berries for fiber
Anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric
Probiotics, including miso, yogurt, and fermented foods
Prebiotics including onion, sunchokes, and garlic

You also should avoid consuming anything that can interfere with healing, including alcohol, sugary, and high-sodium foods. Smoking is also very bad for recovery, so avoid that as well.

Doctors also say that eating a lot of fiber keeps your digestive system moving; things can slow down there with anesthesia.

Protein also is critical because it’s the primary building block for new tissue. Eating low sodium foods reduces the bloat, and drinking a lot of water keeps you hydrated and helps with slow digestion.

Summary

Food and self-care play vital roles in your healing and recovery process after surgery. If you want the best results, you should have a solid commitment to good health that starts well before your first plastic surgery consultation.

A healthy pre-and post-op dietary plan can improve your body’s ability to heal so you can get back on your feet quickly. Also, if you don’t have a healthy lifestyle with good eating habits, you won’t maintain your post-surgery results.

Book Your Procedure Today

Interested in a Philadelphia plastic surgery procedure? Dr. Stark will review your options in your free consultation, as well as go over your surgical goals. He’ll decide if you’re a good candidate for a variety of plastic surgeries based on your unique situation.

References

Meal Plans Before And After Cosmetic Surgery. (n.d.). Accessed at https://aedit.com/aedition/meal-plans-diet-before-after-cosmetic-surgery

Thinking About Plastic Surgery? Here’s What You Need To Ask Yourself Before You Go? (2018). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/thinking-about-plastic-surgery-here-is-what-you-need-to-ask-yourself-before-you-go

Self Care and Nutrition Before and After Plastic Surgery