In addition to quitting smoking, cutting back on or avoiding alcohol, and stopping taking certain types of supplements, carefully choosing what you eat before and after cosmetic surgery can also have a major effect on your recovery. This is because your body needs good nutrition to be able to heal quickly and fight off infections—not to mention improve your emotional state. Eating the right foods in the months and years following a plastic surgery procedure is also important if you want to maintain your ideal results. The best thing you can do before surgery is re-evaluate your typical diet and cut out processed foods, as you’ll be getting most of your vitamins and minerals from foods instead of supplements. Keep in mind, however, that there’s no single, perfect diet that’s best for every patient.

Since patients often experience a lack of appetite and nausea after surgery, it’s better to stick to bland foods at first and gradually introduce other foods once they can be tolerated. If you want to ensure a smooth recovery after having surgical fat reduction in Portland, for example, here’s what our Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery team recommends:

  • Eat lean protein such as chicken, pork, turkey, or seafood, or choose vegetarian sources such as nuts, tofu, and beans. We need protein to help rebuild skin and tissue.
  • Select unprocessed, “whole” foods that are more nutritious.
  • Avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, fat, and chemical additives.
  • Choose water-rich foods, as they help to minimize bloating, get rid of toxins from the body, and improve digestion.
  • Include probiotics and prebiotics in your diet to support the immune system.
  • Get plenty of fiber in your diet from plant-based foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and cereal, since the digestive system often slows down as a side effect of the anesthesia.
  • Follow a meal plan and prep your meals in advance for your convenience, as you’re likely to be feeling weak and tired for several weeks and won’t be able to do much physical activity right after a procedure.

Find out more about the benefits of having surgical fat reduction from Portland’s Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery—and determine whether you would be a good candidate. Call us at 503-646-0101, or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment.