Getting plastic surgery can take a toll on your body and requires a good deal of healing and rehabilitation. Your diet is one of the fastest ways to help speed up your recovery and there are certain foods that help the body heal faster.
Healing Foods Post Surgery
Surgery is often followed by some pain, swelling and bruising. It is important to rest for at least two weeks post surgery and avoid exercise and strenuous activity for up to six weeks. In addition to resting, a good diet can help speed up the process. Following is a quick breakdown of some of the foods to actively consume to help your body heal.
- Drink water – Dehydration is a very serious issue after a surgical procedure. Many patients suffer from nausea and don’t drink water which can cause them to need more in-hospital care.
- Eat protein – Meat, beans, eggs (or egg whites), and dairy products like yogurt are all high in protein which is critical for your recovery process.
- Vitamins to fight infection – Get plenty of vitamins A and C in order to fight infection. Vitamin A is found in eggs, dairy, and cod liver oil. Vitamin C is found in citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, and leafy greens.
- Vitamins to reduce bruising – Arnica and bromelain decrease inflammation and reduce bruising around the incision.
- Get some zinc – Finally, zinc is found in grains, nuts, and many types of meat. It helps your body build new cells and will fuel your body’s recovery.
- Probiotics – it’s important to keep a healthy gut balance, especially if you are on antibiotics
Foods to Avoid
Just like some foods will help you heal, there are certain foods to avoid after a tummy tuck. It is recommended to avoid the following foods:
- Salt – Eating lots of salty foods can cause extra bloating which you want to try to avoid.
- Soda – Stay away from sugary carbonated drinks as these can also cause bloating and gas.
- Alcohol – Alcohol will thin your blood and make your body strain harder to heal itself. It can also interact poorly with your pain medication.
- Processed foods – avoid processed foods as they can cause extra inflammation in the body
Dr. Comizio specializes in listening to her patients and helping them regain confidence. Call the office today at (973) 775-9248 to set up a convenient time to meet Dr. Comizio, discuss concerns, and perform an examination.
