Undergoing cosmetic surgery?

It’s important for you to know that what you eat before and after cosmetic surgery or even non-invasive procedures like botox injections is crucial for your fast and total recovery. And if you think about it, this could be a good new start for new eating habits.

When you undergo a cosmetic surgery or procedure like botox injections, your body requires a lot of energy (from good sources) because it will be put under a high level of stress. The stress and bad eating habits before and after surgery increases risks such as:

• Weight and muscle loss
• Inflammation
• Poor wound healing
• Constipation
• Infections or other complications

Good nutrition reduces these risks and leads you to a faster recovery with better and long lasting results. On the other hand, the type of surgery will also determine your recovery period of time. In this blog, I will share some nutritional tips that could  help your body before and after surgery,  let’s have a look!

What you should eat before and after cosmetic surgery and why!

Probiotics 

Probiotics are live microorganisms that have health benefits when consumed.  They prevent infections or help your body deal with them if necessary. In addition, clinical data support their utility. Probiotics can promote the healing process by modulating the inflammatory response and limiting the colonisation of pathogens. 

Sources of Probiotics : Yogurt, Pickles, Miso, Kimchi, Kefir, Tempeh, Kombucha etc. 

Fiber (soluble)

There are two types of fibers: soluble and insoluble. Both come from plants (fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, etc.) and are forms of carbohydrates. However, they can’t be broken down and absorbed by your digestive system. So, they move through your body, making your digestion slow and your stools softer and easier to pass (improving bowel movements), other benefits are:

• Reduces overall cholesterol levels
• Reduces risks of heart disease
• Protects against diabetes
• Helps weight loss
• Lowers cholesterol
• Keeps your sugar levels stable
• Avoids constipation or diarrhea.

Soluble fiber absorbs water, then it turns into a gel-like mush while insoluble fiber doesn’t.  Soluble fiber is in all fruit and vegetables, especially: oatmeal, nuts, beans, apples, and blueberries.

Having a diet rich in fiber helps to prevent constipation after surgery. Constipation is a common side effect of the anesthesia after a surgery. 

Proteins

Your body needs protein before and after surgery because they have multiple benefits such as:

• Help build and repair muscle, skin, and other body tissues
• Helps fight and control  infections, 
• Balance body fluids, 
• Carry oxygen through your body
• Avoids fibrosis
• Synthesize collagen which is basic for scar formation

What is Albumin and why is it important? 

Albumin is a protein, it is naturally produced by your liver. Albumin facilitates healing and controls inflammation.

Protein sources 

Good protein sources include:

•  Lean poultry
•  Fish
• Seafood
• Nuts 
• Legumes
• Seeds

On the other hand,  red meats may trigger inflammation, so avoid fatty red meats and use lean instead. Dairy products are also a source of protein, but they can cause constipation, so they should be used in moderation.

Avoid Inflammation and reduce pain

There are several foods that may help to reduce your pain and inflammation after surgery, such as: 

• Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, sardines
• Flounder or sole walnuts
• Almonds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Green leafy vegetables 
• Dark fruits (blueberries, cranberries, red apples, eggplant, red grapes) 
• Green and black tea 
• Turmeric
• Omega 3 (it also reduces fibrosis)

Don’t forget to look after your nerve system

After some types of surgeries, it is normal to have the sensation of not feeling the affected area. For that reason, it is important to take care of your nerve system and food is the key to achieve it.

It is important to consume food rich in Vitamin B to help your nerves heal faster  you can find rich amount of it in:

• Poultry
• Eggs
• Seafood
• Leafy greens
• Legumes
• Dairy products

How to avoid or deal with constipation

To avoid constipation it is important that before and after surgery you can consume:

• Prunes
• Coffee
• Tea
• Pears
• Kiwis
• Papaya
• Green leaves (like spinach)
• Figs
• Oats

In addition, it is important to:

• Drink plenty of water
• Eat high fiber food
• Try to eat whole foods (an orange instead of orange juice)
• Choose whole grain breads
• Eat fruits and vegetables (fresh or frozen) that are darker in color to increase your insoluble fiber intake. 
• Exercise (if you are allowed to) or be active in your daily routine. Movement stimulates your bowel’s natural movement. 

what you should avoid in case of constipation

• Limit refined food like chips, white bread, rice, biscuits, etc.
• Avoid products that include additives like salt, fats, and sugar.
• Avoid cheese, milk and dairy products; also, red meat, and sweets including pastries, candies, cakes, etc.

What is best for wound healing?

Vitamins and Minerals can also help reduce inflammation, as well as accelerate wound healing after surgery, the most important are:

• Vitamin c.  It helps collagen synthesis and fibroblast proliferation. It also speeds wound healing. you can find it in: citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, Brussel sprouts, blackcurrants, potatoes, etc.
• Vitamin A stimulates the immune response and helps form normal outer and inner skin. Good sources include carrots, leafy greens, red bell pepper, sweet potato, and cantaloupe. 
• Vitamin D is an essential nutrient in the formation, maintenance, and repair of bones and other tissues.  It reduces inflammation (specially in diabetic people) and boosts your immune system. Low intake of  vitamin D increases risks of fibrosis. Good sources include fortified milk, egg yolk, salmon, tuna, and the best source of Vitamin D is direct exposure of skin to sunlight (10 minutes, two times per week), but unfortunate direct exposure to the sun isn’t recommended for the first 8 weeks, in order to reduce the risk of pigmentation in the area of the surgery. Therefore, make sure you top up your Vitamin D before your surgery. 
• Calcium  is an essential mineral for tissue healing, proper blood clotting, muscle contraction (especially normal heartbeat rhythm). Milk and milk products, as well as dark green leafy vegetables are good sources. 
• Zinc is involved in the early remodeling of collagen and may accelerate wound healing in patients following surgery. Some sources include oysters, lean meats, fish, poultry, legumes, whole grain breads and cereals. 
• Copper is necessary for collagen formation, as well as bone and joint integrity. It is in most foods, but especially oysters and other shellfish, whole grains, legumes, nuts, potatoes and dark leafy greens.

Spices that might help to reduce inflammation: 

You can use black pepper, cinnamon, garlic, ginger root, onion, rosemary, paprika, sage, comin, among others.

To consider…

What happens if I have a lack of appetite?

Some patients have a lack of appetite after surgery. This typically passes a few days after surgery, but it is important to continue eating nutritious foods during this part of your recovery. If your body doesn’t receive enough nutrients  after surgery it can delay the healing process.

 If you are not constipated and are still having difficulty with your appetite, consider calorie-dense foods, such as avocado, potatoes, or a smoothie with dairy, fruits, and protein powder as necessary.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/high-protein-foods-wound-healing