What to eat (and drink) while you heal: Nutrition's role in plastic surgery recovery
A skilled plastic surgeon is sometimes seen as on par with a great artist. The nuance and skill of their work can create fantastic aesthetic results for a patient. However, many patients don't realize that having a fantastic plastic surgeon is only part of the equation for achieving optimal results. The one doing the real heavy lifting following a plastic surgery procedure is you.
Once surgery ends, the healing process begins, and that's when the human body really gets down to business. It takes incredible work, nutrients and fuel to heal properly after surgery. If you aren't feeding your body what it needs, the result can be slowed wound healing, increased inflammation and an aesthetic outcome that may not meet the patient's expectations. Your plastic surgeon can take you a long way, but after surgery, it's time to put in the work to get yourself across the finish line with the right foods and drinks to help your body heal.
To help you fuel your recovery, we spoke with ASPS Member Surgeons Katerina Gallus, MD, FACS, and Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS.
Nutrition's role in surgical recovery
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in surgical recovery. Beyond following your plastic surgeon's instructions and getting plenty of rest and moderate movement, nutrition plays a significant part in recovering after surgery. Proper nutrition provides the body with the basic building blocks it needs to heal. A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, along with adequate fluids, supports tissue repair and helps manage inflammation. Good nutrition can also boost energy levels, promote faster wound healing and contribute to a smoother, more comfortable recovery after surgery.
Everyone deserves a little treat after something as momentous and significant as a surgical procedure. Still, constant indulgences or consuming foods and drinks that don't give your body the fuel it needs can delay healing and raise a person's risk of infection or other postsurgical complications.
Fuel up: The basic building blocks of good postsurgical nutrition
When it comes to basic nutrition, social media has made it challenging to sift through practical advice, misinformation and trendy diets or fads.
"Patients should be mindful of protein intake along with a balanced diet that is heavy on fruits and vegetables," said Dr. Gallus. "That way, you have the protein resources for healing as well as the many vitamins and minerals you need for a strong recovery. For many of my patients, getting adequate protein is challenging, but there are many protein-enhanced options available now."
Interest in protein consumption is surging right now, extending well beyond individuals with strict workout routines. Protein is a fundamental macronutrient comprised of amino acids and is one of the most essential building blocks the body needs to repair tissue and synthesize collagen. This is why protein is prioritized after intense workouts. It's needed to repair muscle, collagen and other tissues. It is also vital after surgery. Maintaining appropriate protein levels through proper nutrition can help support optimal wound healing. However, not consuming the right amount of protein can mean the body will use the protein it does have for energy rather than for wound healing.
"The body relies on specific macro and micronutrients to heal after surgery," said Dr. Hadeed. "Protein is one of the most important components, since wound healing requires a significant amount of amino acids to synthesize collagen. Vitamin C and zinc also play a crucial role, since vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and zinc plays an important role in immune function. Essential fatty acids are required for cell membrane repair and to help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins."
Understanding which nutrients support healing is only part of the equation – choosing foods that provide them is equally important.
"Chicken, fish and lean beef provide the most bang for your buck in terms of protein," said Dr. Gallus. "There are several dairy options as well. We like the protein-enhanced yogurts or low-fat Greek yogurt for increasing protein intake. Fruits and vegetables are really personal preferences. Avoiding refined carbohydrates like white pasta and rice and substituting them with healthy whole grains all contribute to meeting your vitamin and mineral needs."
While individual dietary preferences may vary, many high-quality protein sources and antioxidant-rich foods can provide the nutrients needed for optimal recovery.
"Bone broth, lean meats and seafood, eggs and berries can help in the recovery process since they provide protein, essential vitamins and antioxidants," said Dr. Hadeed.
Colorful fruits and vegetables should also be a mainstay on your postsurgical plate.
"Many vegetables contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and we love bromelain-rich pineapple or pineapple juice to help with swelling after surgery," said Dr. Gallus.
Inflammation can be a significant setback to the healing and recovery process. Some research suggests that a balanced diet and anti-inflammatory foods may be beneficial during the postoperative healing process.
"There is some evidence that suggests certain foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids, bromelain-rich foods, turmeric and ginger, can reduce bruising, swelling and inflammation after surgery," said Dr. Hadeed.
Certain fatty fish, like salmon, nuts, edamame and flaxseed, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
While the majority of a person's nutrients and energy should come from a well-balanced diet, adding supplements may help a patient fill nutritional gaps during recovery.
"Some supplements, such as vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng and fish oil, can increase the risk of bleeding," said Dr. Hadeed. "On the other hand, other supplements such as arnica, bromelain and probiotics can help reduce bruising and swelling and help restore gut flora after surgery."
Although certain supplements may play a supportive role in recovery, surgeons stress that every vitamin and over-the-counter product should be reviewed before surgery to help avoid unexpected complications.
"Patients are taking so many different over-the-counter supplements these days, it is best to review what you are taking with your surgeon because many interfere with the anesthetic or bleeding and should be stopped before surgery," said Dr. Gallus.
Don't stay thirsty, stay hydrated
Hydration may be the underdog of the postoperative healing equation. The body needs both fuel to heal and adequate hydration. Fluids aid digestion, can improve blood flow to promote healing and may reduce the risk of blood clots and kidney issues. After surgery, your plastic surgeon may also recommend mild to moderate movement, walking or exercises, meaning replacing lost fluid becomes even more important, especially in the brutally hot summer months.
"Recovery in the summer is more challenging, since the higher temperatures increase the risk of dehydration," said Dr. Hadeed. "Not only is more water intake recommended, but electrolytes are mandatory to maintain cellular balance and regulate blood pressure."
Water is the unsung hydration hero, but patients may also want to incorporate coconut water, herbal tea or electrolyte water into their hydration game. Bone broth is another excellent fluid that can boost hydration while also providing the body with essential protein and amino acids.
The amount of fluid you need to stay hydrated, especially during summer recovery, can depend on your height, weight and activity levels.
"Women should drink 11.5 cups of fluids to include water per day, and that number goes up with pregnancy and breastfeeding, intense exercise or a hot environment," said Dr. Gallus. "Adding electrolytes to water is easy to do now with all the options on the market. You can keep that Stanley [tumbler] close by and keep refilling it."
The right stuff vs the wrong stuff
While everyone wants a little TLC after surgery, there are certain indulgences that patients should steer clear of if they want a smooth recovery, optimized healing and aesthetic result. At the top of the no-no list is alcohol.
"Alcohol is a triple threat, since it dilates blood vessels, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding and prolonged swelling, disrupts normal sleep cycles required for tissue regeneration and severely dehydrates the body," said Dr. Hadeed. "Refined sugars and high-sodium foods should also be avoided."
Recovery isn't just about adding healthy foods to your plate – it's also about avoiding habits and dietary choices that can interfere with the body's healing process.
"Alcohol and very refined foods are generally not going to contribute to healing and end up at best empty calories and at worst contribute to high glucose levels, which can impair healing," said Dr. Gallus. "Alcohol before and after surgery can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising and should be avoided. Certainly, postoperatively, you should not mix alcohol with pain medication."
Focus on a successful outcome and optimal healing by prioritizing whole foods and protein-rich foods. Make staying hydrated, especially in the summer months, easy by keeping water, sports drinks or teas cold and readily available. You can meal plan and shop before surgery, making it easier to keep sugary foods and drinks out of your refrigerator and out of reach, and to choose water or other better-for-you hydration options during recovery.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
