Having facial plastic surgery is a big decision, and it’s important that you do everything necessary before and after your surgery to help make it a success. When it comes to post-surgery care, diet can play a big role in how well you recover.
Let’s take a look at how your diet can affect your recovery and what foods you should eat for a better recovery and which ones you should avoid.
Diet and Your Post-Surgery Recovery
After your surgery, your body needs to repair itself. It also needs to fight off any germs that may lead to infection. To help your body do this successfully, you want to eat healthy foods that will nourish your body and speed up recovery.
Besides eating healthy foods, you also want to be sure to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will also help your body repair itself. It’s recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day post-surgery. If you are taking certain medications, you may be advised to drink even more. Your plastic surgeon will let you know if that’s the case.
Foods to Eat After Having Facial Plastic Surgery
When you’re thinking about what foods to eat after your plastic surgery, consider eating clean foods that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. You want to incorporate all of the food groups to give yourself a healthy and balanced diet. Here’s a look at how different food groups can help your post-surgery diet:
Carbohydrates
We always hear about how bad carbs are and how we should avoid them. But, carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. When you choose the right carbs and don’t overload, they can help in your recovery diet. High fiber fruits and vegetables are good to add to your list. Sweet potatoes, squash, and whole grains are all good choices.
Protein
Your body always needs protein, but it’s especially important after having surgery because it provides your body with the amino acids that are needed to repair wounds and regenerate tissue. Lean meats, poultry, eggs, fish, beans, nuts, and soy products are all excellent additions to your diet.
Fats
Fat is an important part of your post-surgery diet because it can help the immune system, just make sure you’re choosing the right ones. Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts should be on your list.
Vitamins & Minerals
Foods packed with vitamins and minerals should always be a part of your diet. Vitamins C, D, E, and K are all important when you’re recovering from surgery. Eating broccoli and carrots as well as milk, berries, and eggs can give you these vitamins.
Foods with Vitamin K are very important because they promote blood clotting and can ease any bleeding issues. Vitamin K can be found in liver, fish, and leafy green vegetables.
Foods that fall under the umbrella of being anti-inflammatory are also recommended because they help to reduce swelling that can go along with surgery. These can include apples, pineapple, capers, and red onion.
Foods to Avoid After Surgery
While it’s important to know what foods to eat after having surgery, it’s also important to know what foods to avoid. Many foods add no nutritional value to your diet and should especially be avoided after you have surgery.
Processed foods are a big no-no. These cover anything that comes in a packet and contains a list of ingredients that you don’t recognize and probably can’t pronounce.
Foods that are high in sugar, as well as soda and juices, should also be limited and avoided if possible. These are not going to give your body the energy it needs to recover. Plus, foods with saturated fats, trans-fats, and refined sugars can also increase swelling and inflammation. You also want to avoid salty foods as they can increase swelling.
The more you follow a healthy post-surgery diet, the smoother your recovery will be. The quicker you recover, the faster you can get back to your normal routine and show off your new look!
Are You Looking for a Plastic Surgeon?
If you’re looking for a facial plastic surgeon, contact Dr. Keith Ladner. Dr. Ladner is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. He has done countless facial plastic surgery procedures and can answer any questions you may have. Call today at (303) 253-7686 or go online to schedule a consultation.
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