One of the great advantages of aesthetic surgery is that it’s thoroughly discussed between doctor and patient and scheduled well in advance. As a patient, one of the more important preparations you can make is to adhere to a plastic surgery diet. What you eat in the month before your procedure and during the post-operative period will help your body recover faster. Any surgery, even the most benign, stresses the body. Your healing time will be accelerated and your risk of infection and scarring lessened if you follow your physician’s advice about nutrition, optimizing your surgical outcome and your recovery.
The Plastic Surgery Diet: What To Put In
Unless you’re on a specially formulated diet, it’s unlikely you’re currently getting the daily recommended amount of minerals, vitamins and nutrients most beneficial to you during surgery and post-surgical recovery. Your body requires more nutrients before and after plastic surgery to promote wound healing.
Proteins are essential for new blood cell and collagen production. They’re also vital to a well-functioning central nervous and immune system. Determine your daily protein intake, ideally 1.5 grams of protein per day for every kilogram of your body weight, if you’re a man. Women should aim for 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. These are the ideal minimums and should be adjusted as needed. The best sources of proteins in a plastic surgery diet are fish low in fat, eggs, lean organic meats, and vegetable proteins such as soybean products, seeds, nuts and quinoa.
Vitamins and Minerals
The presence of free radicals grows in response to surgical stress. They can retard healing and cause tissue damage. To prevent this, you should supplement your diet with a range of antioxidants such as Vitamins A and C, selenium, manganese and CoQ10, all available over the counter or online. Eat an array of organic fruits and vegetables at least five times a day—they’re rich in antioxidants.
Water: Drink 64 ounces a day at a minimum.
What to Leave Out
Salt intake should be reduced and sugar avoided. Refined sugar or foods rich in carbs, can suppress immune function and promote inflammation. A week before surgery, eliminate food and supplements that can inhibit anesthesia, immune system functions, healing and blood clotting: Omega 3c increases bleeding time. Vitamins E, C, K, B, A, D and herbal supplements. Even a vitamin supplement can increase bleeding time. Ginger, green tea, flaxseed, cayenne, ginkgo, eggplant, garlic, tomatoes and potatoes may affect blood clotting time or anesthesia and should be avoided until after recovery. Alcohol, caffeine, aspartame and MSG are also neurotoxins and should be eliminated.
After Plastic Surgery
Five times as many nutrients than usual are needed after surgery to help prevent infection and foster quick healing. Good nutrition supports your immune system as it staves off infection, and reduces swelling, pain and inflammation. Arnica, probiotics, glutamine and similar supplements may be continued.
Bland, soft easily digested foods should be eaten for up to 72 hours after surgery, as stress typically compromises digestion. Foods high in monounsaturated fats can be eaten, items having extra-virgin olive oil, and foods such as avocado, sour cherries and blueberries. These last have been shown to have significant anti -inflammatory effects.
Continue avoiding foods having saturated and trans-fats and refined sugars—they can increase inflammation. But three days after surgery, you can resume those supplements you stopped taking before your operation, while continuing to avoid salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
The more devoutly you follow this plastic surgery diet, the better will be your aesthetic surgery experience and the speed of your recovery.
For more information on plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Plastic Surgeon, Bradley A. Hubbard MD in Dallas, Plano, Frisco and surrounding areas schedule a consultation by clicking here or calling 214-370-4813