5 Foods to Avoid to Ensure a Smooth Plastic Surgery Recovery

We know you’re regularly bombarded with nutrition tips, but, if you’re having plastic surgery, there are some specific considerations you should take into account when choosing which foods to eat (and which to avoid) before and after your procedure. As a follow-up to our 2021 blog, Want a Quick Recovery From Plastic Surgery? Follow These Pre-Surgical Nutrition Tips, this post discusses 5 foods you should avoid for a smooth surgical recovery.

Why should you avoid certain foods after plastic surgery?

Just like eating healthy whole foods can help give you the energy you need to recover quickly and fully from your plastic surgery, eating certain foods in excess can weaken your immune system, cause premature skin aging, and increase your risk for bruising, swelling, and scarring. To help speed up your recovery and ensure your results develop beautifully, be sure to avoid these 7 foods before and after your plastic surgery:

5 foods to avoid after plastic surgery

1. Processed foods

Processed foods are never a good dietary decision, and they should especially be avoided after your surgery. They are often laden with sugar, salt, low-quality fats and seed oils, preservatives, and other ingredients that can cause weight gain, increase inflammation, and are harmful to your overall health. This also means that processed foods tend to have few of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to heal. Our best advice: avoid these empty calories in favor of foods that will nourish and support your healing tissues.

Processed foods and refined carbohydrates can cause inflammation, premature skin aging, and other issues that may impede your recovery.

2. Refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pastries, and white rice are not considered healthy because they have been stripped of their nutrients during the refining process. Because most of their fiber content has been removed, they can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and drop, resulting in an energy boost followed by an extreme crash. When you crave carbs, instead choose whole-grain foods, like whole-wheat bread, steel-cut oats, quinoa, and wild rice.

3. Added sugars

Many foods and beverages are loaded with added sugars, making them highly addictive. But aside from being hard to resist, sugar can wreak havoc on the body: not only does it cause the skin to lose its elasticity and vibrancy, but it can also cause blood vessels to narrow and arteries to harden, slowing post-surgical wound healing. The next time you feel your sweet tooth taking over, opt for natural sources of sugar where the fiber is present, like fruit. Grab a bowl of berries and top it with a dollop of plain yogurt: you’ll get a dose of sweetness plus beneficial antioxidants from the berries, and an added protein boost from the yogurt.

Sugar can cause blood vessels to narrow and arteries to harden, slowing post-surgical wound healing.

4. Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure (hypertension), affecting the flow of blood from your heart to your treatment area and potentially impacting your surgical recovery. It can also interfere with prescription pain medications, disrupt sleep, and dehydrate tissues. Though it may be tempting to have a few glasses of wine while you’re recovering, know that it’s better to pass, as alcohol will only harm you during this period.

5. Dried or dehydrated foods

Dried or dehydrated foods are difficult for your body to digest, placing unnecessary strain on your body following surgery. Also, because the dehydrating process removes water, calories are more concentrated in dried and dehydrated foods, making them easy to overeat. Avoid dried and dehydrated foods by eating whole, unprocessed foods.

Don’t forget: hydration is also key to your plastic surgery recovery

Drinking plenty of water after your surgery will help keep your cells hydrated, preventing inflammation, constipation, swelling, and bruising. Water can also help improve scarring by keeping your skin supple and elastic. Aim to drink right 8-ounce glasses of water a day, or 64 total ounces, to help your body heal optimally.

A smooth plastic surgery recovery starts with a great procedure

Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery is committed to providing an exceptional patient experience and plastic surgery results you will love. We will work with you to understand your goals and empower you throughout your surgery journey. Our team of expert plastic surgeons perform a full range of cosmetic procedures at our Granite Bay office and surgical center. Learn more about our personalized approach to cosmetic medicine and find out how our plastic surgeons and medical aestheticians can help you achieve your goals—schedule your consultation online or call (916) 242-2662 today.