After cosmetic surgery, or any type of surgery, patients often wonder if their wound is healing properly. Whether you’re resting at home or already back to daily activities, understanding the wound healing process and the benefits of proper post-surgical care can improve your recovery and peace of mind.

The 4 Scientifically Proven Stages of Wound Healing

1.Hemostasis (The body stop´s bleeding)

• • This is the body’s immediate response to injury, occurring within minutes.
  • Blood vessels constrict and produce clots to prevent excessive blood loss.
  • White blood cells (Macrophages) flood the area to protect against infection.
  • The clot forms a scab, sealing the wound to begin healing.

2. Inflammation

• • • Typically lasts up to 6 days post-surgery.
    • Signs include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and clear fluid discharge.
    • Macrophages (white blood cells) clean the wound and prevent infection.
    • Normal blood flow returns to the area, essential for healing.
    • If symptoms worsen, such as pus or bad odor, consult your doctor immediately.

3.Rebuilding (Proliferative phase)

• • • The body starts constructing new tissue to replace damaged skin.
    • Oxygen-rich red blood cells deliver nutrients to form new tissues.
    • Surrounding cells produce collagen, creating a scar.
    • Sharp or shooting pains may occur as nerves regenerate, this is a normal sign of healing.
    • Pain intensity will gradually decrease over time.

4.Maturation (strengthening and remodeling)

• • • • The scar initially appears red, raised, and fresh.
      • Over weeks to months, the scar flattens and fades to resemble surrounding skin.
      • Itching or tightness indicates ongoing tissue remodeling.
      • The wound gains strength as collagen reorganizes and matures.

Key factors that can affect wound healing

• Poor blood supply, which delays healing, may result from:
  • Obesity
  • Hypertension
  • Vascular diseases (e.g., venous insufficiency)
  • Diabetes
  • Genetic conditions like keloids or fibrosis
• Other slowing factors include:
  • Low oxygen levels
  • Infection
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Presence of foreign bodies
  • Age-related slower cellular regeneration
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Certain medications (e.g., steroids, chemotherapy)
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Immunocompromised states (e.g., cancer, AIDS)
  • Poor nutrition

Warning Signs of Infection After Surgery

Immediately see your surgeon or healthcare provider if you notice:

• Fever
• Delayed wound healing
• Increasing redness, pain, or swelling
• Pus or foul odor from the wound
• Persistent tenderness or warmth near the incision

Why Post-surgery treatment matters

Professional post-surgical therapy improves outcomes by:

• Enhancing tissue repair and regeneration
• Accelerating wound healing timelines
• Preventing infections and complications like seromas and fibrosis
• Reducing post-operative pain and discomfort
• Lowering patient stress and supporting emotional wellbeing

Choosing the right post-surgery therapist

• Seek certified therapists experienced in post-operative care.
• Skilled therapists use personalsed treatment plans.
• Treatments may include manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and specialiSed equipment tailored to your healing stage.
• Proper timing and techniques are crucial to maximize recovery and avoid setbacks.

A final word

It is pivotal that you know that each person and procedure is different, so recovery time may vary from patient to patient. On the other hand, proper, tailored and timily after surgery care plus self awareness improve and speed up your recovery journy.

If you have questions or would like to book your post-surgery treatment, contact us today! We’re always glad to help. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington.  If you found this blog useful, please share it with others who may be starting their recovery journey.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2903966/#:~:text=The%20wound%2Dhealing%20process%20consists,Gosain%20and%20DiPietro%2C%202004).

https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/surgical-incision-healing

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/stages-of-wound-healing#stages-of-wound-healing

The post After cosmetic surgery treatment: How to know if your wound is healing properly appeared first on Perea Clinic.

If that’s your case, let me tell you my dear friend that you are not alone, in 2019, roughly 27 thousand cosmetic surgeries were carried out in the UK.  When considering cosmetic procedures such as a nose lift or lip enhancement, one of the most  concerns for some people is wound healing, especially if the surgery has been done abroad. What to do if the wound gets infected, how to clean it daily without medical assistance and so on. It is important to take care of the wound in order to speed up the healing process, prevent complications and have the nice results you expect. 

The first step in your wound healing process is to follow your surgeon’s instructions in order to prevent further issues (infections or visible scars). In this blog, I give you 7 tips you can take into account to take care and speed up the wound healing process, let´s know them!

1.Keep your incision clean and dry.

Keep your incision clean and dry all the time, don’t allow water in your wound for the first 24 hours after surgery, or until the plastic surgeon recommends it. 

On the other hand, you have to avoid non-prescribed ointments, creams, lotions or gels in the wound at least 2 weeks after surgery. If there is an opening or a spitting stitch (that’s a separate issue and you need to talk to the surgeon or nurse). Excess of moisture can cause the stitch to fall and open, that is the reason why the incision must be dry. 

If you notice  that your wound takes longer to heal, sometimes this is due to lack of ventilation to the wound. Remove your garment for one or two hours per day and allow the wound to get fresh air, of course talk to your surgeon first.

2.Good energy means eating properly and stay hydrated

Food is your principal source of energy and helps your body to heal properly. However, not all foods are good for you, eat what benefits your body the most, in my blog What to eat to heal faster you can find more information on what to eat and what to avoid.  

Food has different roles for example:

• increase wound healing
• anti-inflammatory 
• boost your immune system
• create new blood cells
• reduce swelling
• heal faster
• etc.

As food is key for wound healing it is also hydration. Increase your plain or flavored water intake in order to eliminate toxins and residual products from the surgery, but avoid high calorie (sugar added) and carbonated beverages.

3.Clothes matters

What you wear is important for wound healing. Avoid tight and synthetic clothes specially on the incision area because it can cause irritation. In addition, according to your surgery type you will have to wear a compression garment right after surgery. It is key to reduce swelling and edema, increase fluid and lymph flow, help contour the area and protect the incisions from direct rubbing, so look for the correct one that really fits you. Invest in good quality garments to avoid skin and wound irritation (Colombian brands are the best!). 

4.Movement vs Rest 

It is important to move right after surgery. Move as much as you can, but be careful. You can start with walking or pumping exercises, these improve blood flow, prevent blood clots and increase lymph movement. All of them improve and speed up wound healing.

On the other hand, you should always listen to your body. If you feel tired just rest! You may feel anxious about getting back to work, but allow yourself to rest as needed. Ask your surgeon about returning to your daily life activities and follow her/his instructions.

And don’t forget to avoid movements that may affect the wound or its surrounding area. 

5.No sun = no visible scar

Sun exposure increases the risk of hyperpigmentation in wounds, so avoid direct sun exposure as much as you can and always wear sunscreen and sun protection clothing.

6.Manual lymphatic drainage to heal fast

MLD has many benefits, some of them are: 

• reduce swelling and edema, 
• improve lymphatic and blood flow, 
• reduce toxins and wastes, 
• boost your immune system 
• increase wound healing
• and more…

7.Bonus… (I think my wound could be infected)

call your surgeon or GP if there is:

•  too much pain in the area
• signs of infection like redness, heat  or swelling
• unexpected bleeding or pus
• bad smell
• your wound gets bigger or deeper
• necrosis ( black area around the wound)
• fever

A final word…

Every day more people book their post-surgery treatment even before surgery to speed up wound healing, reduce post-surgery risks and have better and long lasting outcomes. If that is your case do it with those who treat you better!

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.statista.com/statistics/594628/plastic-surgeons-in-the-united-kingdom-uk-by-staff-grade/#:~:text=In%202019%2C%20roughly%2027%20thousand,fold%20between%202003%20and%202015.

https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/surgical-wound-care#091e9c5e81126fd2-2-5

The post 7 tips to speed up wound healing after plastic surgery appeared first on Perea Clinic.

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

The post  Nutrition before and after cosmetic surgery appeared first on Perea Clinic.