A key aspect of any plastic surgery, be it face or breast surgery, is the healing period. Taking the time to understand what is required during this period, as well as following all of your plastic surgeon’s post-surgical advice is very important because it will:
- Ensure faster recovery
- Lower your risk of developing complications
- Keep you comfortable and pain-free during the recovery period
- Ensure safer and more satisfactory results
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6 Foods That Will Speed Up Your Recovery After Plastic Surgery
Every type of surgery, even planned and elective ones such as breast and face surgery, are a source of trauma to your body. After the procedure, you may experience a higher risk of pneumonia, infection, loss of energy or motivation, or even falls. But don’t worry!
Your surgery is meant to improve the quality of your life and there are certain things you can do to ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to your home.
One of these things is eating the right foods. Here are 10 foods that will provide your body with the energy and nutrition it needs to fight off infections, increase your strength and accelerate healing.
1. Berries
Antioxidants are a powerhouse of nutrition that will help your body repair damage, making them perfect for after surgery. Some fruits that have antioxidants include:
- Grapes
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Goji berries
- Blackberries
Berries are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is helpful in rebuilding collagen and soft tissue, meaning that your incision site will heal quicker.
2. Vegetables
The vitamins and minerals found in vegetables are some of the most important nutrients in your healing diet. Some of the vegetables that you should have as a snack, or even include in your meals after plastic surgery include:
- Carrots
- Sweet bell peppers
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Sweet Potatoes
Including these vegetables in your daily diet adds a healthy source of carbohydrates, which will help you fight fatigue that is commonly felt after surgery. Your body will also get a boost of Vitamin A and C, and the fiber in a diet high in vegetables reduces constipation, which is a common side effect of pain medication and decreased mobility.
3. Fats (Nuts, Oils, and Fish)
Following surgery, healthy fat is excellent for you, as it will help your body absorb the vitamins you are getting from the fruit and vegetables. Fat is essential for strengthening your immune system and decreasing your chances of infection.
Some healthy fats you should try to add to your diet include:
- Olive oil
- Avocados
- Nuts (eg. almonds)
- Seeds
- Coconut oil
Healthy fats also provide you with a long-lasting source of energy and many of them are high in Vitamin E, which helps your wounds heal faster and will reduce the appearance of scars.
4. Dark Leafy Greens
Leafy greens may not be as tasty as colourful berries and healthy fats, but they are critically important during your recovery period! A hearty serving of this on your plate will give you a great dose of Vitamin A, C, and E, as well as Vitamin K, which is needed for blood clotting.
Try to incorporate these into your diet:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Bok choy
- Romaine lettuce
Greens are like a multivitamin and contain fiber, iron, potassium, and calcium, as well as B-complex vitamins which will help with your energy levels.
5. Protein
Following surgery, your body needs a high amount of protein and iron. Amino acids in the protein will help repair muscle damage by regenerating tissue and speeding up wound healing. In addition, the iron found in meats and alternatives will help you regain your energy levels faster as it creates new blood cells.
Stock up on iron and protein through foods such as:
- Seafood
- Poultry
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Tofu
After surgery, you may find that you have difficulty digesting tougher meats, so why not try meats that are slow cooked in sauces or even ground meats.
6. Eggs
An egg is an ideal healing food and is a traditional first meal to serve individuals recovery from surgery for a good reason. One egg provides you with:
- 6 grams of protein
- Vitamins A, E, and K
- Folic acid
- B complex vitamins
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Iron
This means that eggs contain all the nutrients discussed above as being vital for a quick recovery. The best part? Eggs are so easy to prepare and serve.
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To find out more about our wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures, including breast and face surgery, and how our team of board-certified plastic surgeons can help you achieve the safest and most satisfactory results from your surgery
Alternatively, you can contact us at 250-868-9799 or fill in our online contact form.
