Nutrition
THE IDEAL DIET FOR PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURES
Introduction
A healthy diet is one of the most important steps toward preparing for and recovering from cosmetic surgery. If you are considering liposuction, for example, you may think that you don’t need to worry about losing weight before the operation because it will all be taken care of on the table. This is not so! Being as close to your ideal body type before you take the surgery plunge will ensure that you get the best results out of your procedure.
If you are considering a different kind of nip and tuck, weight loss and health before the surgery will speed your recovery by a considerable amount. Healthy patients make for healthy recovery.
Luckily, with elective surgery you have time to plan how you’ll eat before the procedure and stock up on what you’ll want to have on hand during your recovery period.
One month before Surgery
Protein
Before the procedure, you should begin to consider dietary changes and how you’d like your body to look before surgery. For example, protein is important to the healing process. It is suggested that women aim for 1.2 grams of protein for about every 2 pounds of body weight, and men aim for 1.5 grams per pound of body weight. Like many clean diets, the best sources of protein are lean meats, fish, soy, and quinoa.
Antioxidants
Free radicals can cause trouble with healing. To combat these look for food high in antioxidants. Vitamins are useful here, especially Vitamin A, CoQ10, and Vitamin C. Another easy-to-handle antioxidant boost is fresh fruits. Doctors recommend five servings a day of fresh (preferably organic) produce. Free radicals can greatly slow down healing time. Packing on the antioxidants will speed your recovery time.
Avoid Sugars
Carbohydrates, foods with a high glycemic index, and of course refined sugars are all to be avoided the months before surgery. Not only can they slow healing time, they can also cause unnecessary inflammation.
EAT THIS:
- Lean protein
- Plant-based fats
- Unprocessed carbohydrates
- Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (think: vitamins A, C, E)
NOT THAT:
- Alcohol
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- High-sodium foods
- Smoking and vaping
One week before Surgery
Closer to your surgery date, you should be hyper aware of foods that can interact with anesthesia, bleeding, general immunity, and healing time.
While patients are usually encouraged to eat oily fish for their omegas, these can increase bleeding time and should be avoided in the week right before surgery.
Vitamin supplements can interact with anesthesia and cause bleeding. They should be stopped a week before the procedure.
Blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil), and aspirin should not be taken, as they will promote bleeding.
After Surgery
After surgery, healing should be your primary goal. Nutritionally, you should return to the diet you began a month before your procedure.
In the first days following surgery, you may find that bland, easy-to-digest foods such as soups and smoothies with protein supplements will work best with your system. Be gentle with yourself and remember what your body has just been through.
Once you return to eating full meals, clean proteins, vegetables, and fruits will keep your immunity strong and promote muscle recovery.
Sugar and especially alcohol should be avoided in the first weeks out of the procedure. These are generally not ideal for your health and promote inflammation. Maintaining the best diet possible post-op will ensure the best and speediest recovery.
Anti-inflammatory antioxidants are a good addition to your diet. These can be olive oils, tart cherries, blueberries, and even avocado.