What Foods Should I Eat After Plastic Surgery?

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So many people have the misconception that plastic surgery is simply: “Have the surgery and then you’re all done.”

However, there are many other factors that go into your plastic surgery procedure. One of these factors is your recovery. You want to make sure that your recovery is as smooth and quick as possible. That is why it is important to consider the types of food you are eating, both before and especially after your plastic surgery.

a collection of healthy foods, including vegetables and fruits

Before your procedure, it is important that you keep an eye on your diet to make sure that you are as healthy as possible. This means cutting back on alcohol and making sure that you are eating foods that are good for you. However, your surgical diet after your procedure is of the utmost importance.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your post-surgery diet.

Why Is My Post-Surgery Diet Important?

Regardless of the cosmetic procedure you have, there will be a surgical recovery period.

During this time, you will likely have swelling and bruising in the surgical area, and you may experience some soreness and fatigue.

By maintaining a balanced diet and knowing what foods and drinks to have and what to avoid, your recovery period may be shortened and your results can be improved. Additionally, by maintaining a balanced diet, along with regular exercise, after your plastic surgery, you will be able to maintain longer-lasting results.

What Should I Consider When Planning My Diet?

Avoid Salty Foods

Salt is an ingredient found in nearly all foods, but during your recovery, you will want to avoid any food that has high amounts of salt. Salt increases swelling in the body, so eating a lot of it will only prolong the swelling in your surgical areas and thus cause your recovery to take longer.

Drink Water

We’ve all been told how important drinking enough water is for our bodies. However, this is especially true after you undergo any type of plastic surgery. Water helps flush toxins from your body while helping to prevent infection. Additionally, water strengthens your immune system, which is important as surgery of any kind weakens the immune system.

Additionally, water helps move nutrients and oxygen to your recovering area so that you are able to heal quicker and more fully.

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and minerals, which help to strengthen your body. It is important to understand that plastic surgery is a controlled and purposeful injury to your body, so you want to make sure that you allow your body all the necessary nutrients to bring your health back to where it should be. The vitamins and minerals found in healthy foods like fruits and vegetables will help fight infection and speed up your body’s healing.

Get Enough Fiber

Though too many carbs, especially unhealthy ones, can hurt your health, eating proper carbs will allow you to have more energy, which is important to helping you recover faster. And eating enough fiber is important so that you aren’t constipated, which is a common side effect of surgery.

By eating enough fiber, your body’s normal processes won’t be interrupted, and your immune system can focus on healing the surgery area.

Watch Out for Processed Foods and Sugar

Processed foods are full of trans fat, sugar, salt, and additives that are not good for a healthy body, let alone one recovering from surgery. Additionally, processed foods are usually low in fiber and vitamins, meaning that you are only putting bad in your body, which can lead to swelling and higher recovery periods.

You also want to make sure that you stay away from sugar, as it suppresses the immune system to allow for increased chances of infection and a longer recovery period.

Plastic Surgeries Offered

Now that you know what foods are important to eat and which to stay away from, you can start thinking about which procedures you might be interested in having done. Dr. Alexander is proud to offer plastic surgery procedures for your face, breasts, and body, including:

Whether you have breast surgery, face surgery, or surgery on your body, your surgical recovery can be helped by the food and drink that you consume. So, make sure that you are treating the insides of your body right so that your outside shines like you want it to.

Interested in Learning More?

For more information about the cosmetic procedures we offer, contact Dr. Alexander by calling (702) 242-6776 or filling out our online contact form.

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