Post Plastic Surgery: A guide on what to eat and drink

Our overall health is closely linked to our diet. Maintaining a healthy diet is vital in the healing process. After undergoing such a drastic change to your body, it is important to fuel it with foods that help your body recover and heal. Depending on the procedure, healing times vary; however, with a proper diet you can reduce your risk of infection, speed up the healing process and possibly lessen scarring. Consult with your trusted Calgary Macleod Trail plastic surgeon on your post-surgery plans to ensure your body makes a speedy recovery!

Unless your healthcare provider has put you on a special diet, you should consider making these adjustments to your eating habits before and after your scheduled surgery.

Proteins play a huge role in building, regenerating, and repairing cells after surgery. They aid in the production of new blood cells and collagen. Collagen aids in scar healing while new blood cells help fight off infections.

• • Options: Fish, lentils, tofu, lean meats, eggs, seeds, nuts and quinoa.

Our body can produce things called free radicals (unstable atoms that can cause damage to our cells, causing illness and aging). Stress caused by surgery can promote free radical growth. This can prolong the healing process and cause tissue damage. Vitamins A, C and E are high in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals so your cells can function properly. This can increase your body’s natural healing cycle.

• • Options: Sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, carrots, berries, spinach, broccoli, kale, and red peppers.

We hear it all the time, “Drink more water”, we all know water is good for us, but what does it do exactly. Some key benefits include aiding in digestion, regulating temperature, normalizing blood pressure, delivering oxygen throughout the body, lubricating joints and providing a cushion for your brain, spinal cord and other important tissues. Staying hydrated before and after plastic surgery boosts skin health and can help your skin heal better. Dry tight skin makes it difficult for the incision to heal properly.

Note that we are all different and our bodies react differently to outside stimuli and sources of nutrients. What works for one patient might not work the same for another. Similarly, healing times can vary depending on the individual, type of surgery and overall health. That’s why it is important to talk to a certified Calgary plastic surgeon at Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery to discuss the optimal post-operation healing process that is right for you.

Book a consultation today or call us at (403) 452-7953 for a private one-on-one consultation.