The proper diet after surgery is crucial to a speedy recovery. After surgery, your body will need extra vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Therefore, if you want plastic surgery, knowing which foods encourage optimal wound healing is crucial.
Foods to Eat After Surgery
The best foods to eat after surgery give your body the energy and nourishment it needs to fight infections, reduce inflammation, enhance strength and accelerate recovery.
Fruits
Most fruits are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help your body manage oxidative stress and regenerate collagen and soft tissue. Consequently, your incision site will heal faster, making them the ideal choice after surgery.
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Oranges
- Pineapples
- Red grapes
- Cherries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Apricots
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Figs
- Pears
- Peaches
- Cantaloupe
- Papaya
Vegetables
Many veggies are rich in vitamins E, C and beta-carotene, which help reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system to fight infections and speed up wound healing. Thus, vegetables – especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard, mustard greens, parsley and cilantro – are among the best foods for healing wounds.
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Ginger
- Red onions
- Sweet potatoes
Protein
Your body will need a lot of protein and iron after surgery. The protein’s amino acids enhance tissue regeneration and accelerate the healing process, which helps relieve inflammation, ease discomfort and repair damaged muscles. Meanwhile, iron will help you get your energy back faster by making new blood cells.
- Seafood
- Organ meats
- Poultry
- Beans, peas and lentils
- Nuts
- Spinach
- Tofu
- Eggs
Omega-3 Fats
You can reduce and manage inflammation by consuming omega-3-rich foods, such as:
- Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, halibut, mackerel or fish oil
- Plant foods such as hempseeds or hempseed oil, flax seeds or flaxseed oil and walnuts or walnut oil
Hydration
Water is crucial for healing faster and more smoothly, among many other things. In addition, H2O reduces infection risk while lowering the chance of constipation, one of the adverse side effects of pain medications.
Foods to Avoid After Plastic Surgery
However, some foods mentioned above that aid in healing after surgery can actually be harmful if consumed in the days leading to the procedure. This is due to their potential to interfere with anesthetic, produce more bleeding during surgery or result in postoperative inflammation and swelling.
For two weeks before surgery, avoid taking aspirin, vitamin E, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, fish oils and any herbal supplements such as ginseng, green tea, ginkgo, cayenne, ginger, garlic and flaxseed. Furthermore, minimize your salt consumption and avoid sugary sweets and beverages, highly processed foods and high-fat fried foods.
Learn More About Optimal Wound Healing
For optimal results, a commitment to health must begin before surgery. For example, consider following a pre- and post-surgery meal plan to help you heal quickly and comfortably.
If you are considering plastic surgery, many options are available for men and women at Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery. Feel free to contact our Atlanta, GA, office today to set up your consultation or to learn more about what foods to consume (and avoid) before and after surgery.
