What’s the Best Nutrition Before and After Plastic Surgery?
Despite the relative ease with which so much plastic surgery is now performed, it’s important to remember that, yes, it IS still surgery.
How you care for yourself pre- and post-op matters. That also means paying attention to nutrition before and after plastic surgery.
So if you’re planning to have a procedure and are a fast food junkie with a penchant for salt, sugar, and fat, you’ll need to prepare to make some adjustments.
Getting Proper Nutrition Before and After Plastic Surgery
Paying attention to what you eat during this time is crucial. Choosing healthy foods will make a big difference in the success of your procedure as well as how quickly you recover.
There are certain foods before and after plastic surgery that you’ll want to include in your diet, and others you’re better off avoiding.
Preparing For Your Surgery
It’s important to start prepping your body for surgery by avoiding foods that cause inflammation. Your body will be providing enough of that on its own as a natural reaction to the surgery. And this is normal.
Too much inflammation, however, is going to slow down or even halt healing. So it’s best to go into the procedure with as little inflammation as possible. Alcohol and sugary foods are two of the biggest offenders.
You also want to avoid foods that are high in sodium so you can regulate your blood pressure and reduce bloating. That means reading labels for sodium content and ditching the obviously salty snacks for a bit.
- Choose Fruits, Veggies and Whole Grains
Fresh fruits and veggies are always a sure bet. Fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas, and veggies such as carrots, broccoli, and even lettuce are low in sodium, contain only natural sugars, and are loaded with vitamins and nutrients.
Whole grains are also highly recommended. Just be sure that if you’re getting them through bread, you check the sodium content. Some breads are high in sodium.
- Add In Smart Protein Choices
In addition, protein is key. To avoid the risk of increased bleeding during and after surgery, steer clear of red meat and stick with lean pork, chicken, or fish. Unsalted nuts and beans as well as eggs are also excellent sources.
You can also get protein from dairy products. Again, read the labels. You’ll need to stick with low-sodium and low-fat cheeses, milk, and yogurt.
After the Procedure…
Hopefully once you get used to a healthy and nutritious regimen before your procedure, you keep it up while you’re healing (and beyond!). As you heal, continue to avoid sugar, alcohol, and high-sodium foods.
Sticking with low-sodium and lean whole foods is going to help the body heal faster. Since vitamins and supplements are often discouraged post-op, it’s important you keep getting nutrients through natural sources. And just as protein is important before surgery, it’s essential during recovery. After all, it’s the main building block for new tissue.
Another consideration after surgery is any foods that will benefit your gut health. First, ensure that you’re keeping up with a high fiber diet to keep things moving in the intestinal department. Anesthesia can wreak havoc on regularity.
Also, because you’ll likely to be on a course of antibiotics, supplement with probiotics like miso and fermented foods, as well as prebiotics such as onions and garlic. These will infuse the good bacteria that gets eliminated with those antibiotics.
Finally, stay hydrated!!!!! Drinking plenty of water will keep inflammation and bloating down while aiding in slow digestion.
Are You Ready to Commit to Your Procedure?
Whether you’re looking to get a tummy tuck, eyebrow lift, or breast augmentation, attending to proper nutrition before and after plastic surgery is key.
So if you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today to set up your free consultation.
And start feeling better about yourself both inside and out!
