Foods To Avoid After Breast Augmentation
It’s important to remember that you are healing from a major surgery. Rest is key for a good recovery, so don’t push yourself too hard too fast! But if your body needs it, take some time off work and just focus on getting better. Also remember that there are some foods that could potentially cause problems after breast augmentation surgery (like carbonated drinks), so stay away from these until it’s safe for them again (i.e., no longer sensitive).
In this guide, we review thee aspects of Foods To Avoid After Breast Augmentation, can i eat pizza after breast augmentation, how to heal faster after plastic surgery, and best diet after breast reduction.
Foods To Avoid After Breast Augmentation
You’ve had breast augmentation surgery, and now you’re recovering. Great! But here’s something to watch out for: some foods can actually slow your healing and make your body feel worse than it already does. So if you want to help your body recover after surgery as fast as possible and avoid any complications along the way, steer clear of these common post-op foods.
High-sodium foods
Sodium is a mineral that’s found in salt, and it also occurs naturally in foods. But excess sodium can cause bloating, water retention, swelling and pain.
Keep your intake of sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. Foods with high sodium content include:
- Salty snacks (pretzels)
- Snack food (cheese puffs)
- Soup (chicken noodle soup)
Gas producers
- Avoid carbonated drinks. Carbonation can cause you to burp, and when that happens, air gets trapped in your chest cavity.
- Avoid gas-producing foods. That includes beans, broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous veggies; anything fermented; as well as dairy products like cheese and yogurt (which are high in lactose). Spicy foods can also cause indigestion and discomfort if they aren’t properly digested by the body.
- Avoid high-fiber foods. Anything with a rough texture will likely be difficult for your body to digest after surgery—think apples or carrots—so it’s best to steer clear of these for at least 6 weeks post-op (and then gradually reintroduce them into your diet).
Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks, such as soda and energy drinks, are another no-no. They can cause bloating and discomfort. For at least a week after surgery, avoid these beverages to help reduce swelling and pain.
High-fat foods
High-fat foods are to be avoided. The reason behind this is that high-fat foods can cause your body to swell, retain fluid and feel heavy and uncomfortable. This can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Foods with high levels of sodium should also be avoided as they may increase swelling.
Rest is key for a good recovery.
Rest is key for a good recovery. It’s important to understand that rest does not mean lying in bed all day and watching Netflix—it means being mindful of your body and its limits, as well as understanding what is causing pain.
Don’t lift anything heavy for the first few weeks after surgery. You should avoid driving if you feel tired or weak at any point during recovery. Avoid exercising for a few weeks after surgery because it could cause swelling around the area where your incision was made (which could lead to infection).
If you’re having pain or discomfort following breast augmentation surgery, make sure you express this to your doctor so that he or she can help make suggestions on how best to address it.”
can i eat pizza after breast augmentation
One of the many things you can do to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery is to consume a healthy diet. We all know that surgery recovery can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be when you take a holistic approach. Although some of your recovery depends on the quality of the surgery, you also have a responsibility to make sure your body is properly fueled and nourished. That begins with eating the right foods — whole foods that can provide your body with the substance it needs for a speedy recovery.
1. Protein
Lean protein, more specifically collagen, is responsible for mending tissue back together. This means that you should be consuming higher amounts of protein post-surgery to ensure your body tissue heals properly, especially if you’ve had an incision. Great sources of lean protein include eggs, fish, beans, other legumes, and turkey. You can also consume supplemental protein, like the protein you add to shakes, to help give your body the protein it needs.
2. Dairy
Fermented dairy, like kefir and yogurt, restore beneficial bacteria to your body. Oftentimes, doctors prescribe antibiotics to fight infection, but these deplete our levels of good bacteria that aids in digestion and a well-functioning immune system. If you don’t eat dairy, then supplementing with probiotics can also help.
3. Fiber
Since surgery disrupts your body’s normal routine, your bowel movements might take a toll. To prevent constipation, make sure you eat plenty of fiber and drink lots of water. Prunes are a great source of fiber, but other great sources of fiber include:
4. Rich Colored Fruits
Your body needs higher doses of antioxidants post-surgery because it’s more prone to increase free-radical production. Deep colored fruits have high levels of antioxidants, providing your body with the ability to reduce oxidation levels. These fruits include most types of berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, cherries, blackberries, pomegranates, and raspberries.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts into Vitamin A during digestion. Your body uses vitamin A to help repair tissues, mucous membranes, and skin—all components of the body that are typically affected in a surgery. Other sources of beta-carotene include carrots, cantaloupe, mango, and dark leafy greens.
6. Bell Peppers and Citrus Fruit
The high concentration of vitamin C found in bell peppers and citrus is essential for cross-linking collagen, which you need to knit together body tissues and heal wounds. Other sources of collagen include guava, kiwi, and broccoli.
7. Cruciferous Vegetables
These vegetables are high in indoles, which boost immune efficiency. Having a strengthened immune system is crucial for warding off infection after surgery. Cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms support a healthy immune system by reducing inflammatory proteins and increasing the functionality of gamma delta T-cells. Different types of mushrooms include shiitake, maitake, and reishi.
9. Seeds, Nuts, and Squash
Seeds, squash, and pumpkin contain high levels of zinc, which also contributes to a healthy immune system. Zinc is also necessary for protein synthesis, which means it’s helpful in healing wounds and incisions.
10. Pineapple and Papaya
These two fruits contain enzymes that break down proteins during digestion and reduce swelling and inflammation.
how to heal faster after plastic surgery
1. Follow your surgeon’s instructions
You might read and hear all sorts of things about the recovery process, but only your surgeon knows what is best and right for you. Always clarify things with him or her if you have doubts.
Healing takes time, and everyone is different. Yours may not heal exactly like the next person’s. Swelling, bruising and skin discolouration from cosmetic surgery can last for weeks. Sometimes it takes months or even a couple of years for complete recovery. Soft tissue takes time to settle. Inflammation has to subside before you can see the final results. Talk to your surgeon about your concerns and give your body time to heal.
3. Relax and take things easy
Stress can take a toll on healing. Look at this healing period as time for stress relief, making it do double duty.
Reading, listening to relaxing music, yoga (but no vigorous moves) or meditation can help bring down stress levels. Aromas such as lavender can have a soothing effect. An aromatic bath or scented candle can help even the most fidgety person relax.
Research has shown that people who live near trees and parks have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who live in a ‘concrete jungle’. A recent study from Scotland showed that a stroll through a leafy park could ease brain fatigue. You might find a walk in the park relaxing, but remember to shield your wounds from the elements.
4. Protect yourself from the sun and the elements
Exposure to the sun will cause skin damage or discolouration at the incision site. Sun can cause inflammation and result in a bad scar. Avoid direct exposure by wearing sunglasses, hats or other protection. Limit your time outside, as indirect exposure can also have an impact. Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more.
Similarly avoid exposing your incisions to strong winds, dust, smoke and other irritants and pollutants. Avoid swimming and any activities that could cause exposure.
5. Avoid strenuous exercise
Even though a jog or a trip to the gym might be relaxing, avoid these activities for 4-6 weeks after cosmetic surgery (depending on the procedure). If you perform activities that increase your heart rate and blood pressure, some of the blood vessels that have sealed can be forced open causing bleeding and bruising. Be careful around pets and kids. After a tummy tuck or a mummy makeover, even lifting a toddler could compromise your recovery.
Most people return to work within a reasonable time after surgery. Be sure to tell your surgeon what your job involves. What you do will influence when it’s safe to return to normal work. How your recovery progresses will also be a factor.
Healing requires extra protein and calories. Bump up your protein intake and eat foods rich in vitamins A and C. There are a lot of health food supplements that promise a lot. Check with your cosmetic surgeon before using them as some of these contain elements that can harm you and slow the healing process – the opposite of what you were after.
Water helps cleanse the body and keep it healthy. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Juices, tea, coffee and sodas don’t count.
8. Stay away from alcohol, drugs and tobacco
They can slow down the healing process and cause unnecessary complications.
Alcohol suppresses your immune system and makes healing more difficult. It has a dehydrating effect and can lead to bleeding.
Don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to second hand smoke as well. Tobacco smoke limits the oxygen that reaches your body’s cells. Your cells need oxygen to heal.
Avoid recreational and prescription drugs; even anabolic steroids used in muscle building and corticosteroids used to fight inflammation can cause problems. Some prescription drugs and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding. Recreational drugs can increase your need for pain medications, and steroids could affect how your incisions heal.
Follow these steps after cosmetic surgery to ensure a speedy and uneventful recovery.
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best diet after breast reduction
Just like any surgery, Plastic Surgery can put a significant amount of stress on your body, especially if multiple procedures are performed during a single operation. In addition, the healing and recovery process requires a tremendous amount of energy from our bodies. Nutrition, both before and after your surgery, can play a vital role in how quickly and well you recover. From reducing your risk of infection to possibly lessening the appearance of scarring, the role nutrition plays in healing from Plastic Surgery should not be overlooked.
Why Does My Surgeon Want Me at a Stable Weight before Surgery?
Healing from a surgical procedure takes energy – LOTS of energy. For our bodies, this energy comes in the form of calories from the foods we consume. Therefore, your surgeon will NOT want you to be on a calorie restrictive diet after surgery because your body will need energy to heal. You will be encouraged to be at stable body weight before surgery to allow for increased caloric consumption during your recovery. Patients should take in at least 1,500 calories a day with a balanced diet before surgery. After surgery, your body will need at least 2,500 calories per day (15-20 calories per pound of body weight) to sustain the energy needed for recovery. Because many patients temporarily lose their appetite after surgery, it’s a smart idea to have balanced, nutrient-dense meals prepared ahead of time that you can easily prepare for yourself when you return home.
Foods and Supplements to Consider Before & After Plastic Surgery
For optimal healing, your body will require more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals both before and after your surgery. Therefore, it’s important to discuss any dietary restrictions or specialized diet you may be following with your Plastic Surgeon before your surgery. In addition, some diets may deplete you of certain key nutrients essential for proper healing, which will need to be discussed with your surgeon. Consider adding the following to your diet before and after your surgery for expedited healing and recovery:
Water – Drinking plenty of water is always beneficial to your health, especially when your body is healing from Plastic Surgery. Adequate water intake ensures that your body’s lymphatic system can effectively flush out waste products that are a byproduct of tissue healing. In addition, skin that is hydrated and healthy before surgery is better equipped to heal wounds along incision and suture sites, resulting in less noticeable scarring. Set a goal of drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of water the weeks leading up to your surgery and during your recovery.
Protein – Protein is an essential building block of the human body, so it makes sense that it plays a crucial role in how our body heals from surgery. Both collagen and blood cell production rely heavily on protein to help them heal tissues and transport nutrients throughout the body. Consider incorporating healthy, lean proteins like organic meats, free-range eggs, nuts, seeds, and fish into your diet before after surgery to ensure your body has the protein it needs for a speedy recovery.
Vitamins A & C – Surgery causes inflammation. Inflammation causes free radical damage in return. As a result, free radicals can cause further tissue damage and even prolong the healing process. Therefore, it is beneficial to consume a diet rich in antioxidants before and after Plastic Surgery to combat the effects of free radicals. Fuel your diets with fruits and vegetables laden with Vitamins A and C, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and carrots. Make sure you are taking a daily multivitamin to supplement anything your body may not be getting naturally through your diet at this time as well.
Zinc & Iron – Zinc is beneficial to the body both before and after surgery due to its ability to help prevent infection. Iron helps build red blood cells, which helps to increase oxygen delivery to tissues that are healing after surgery.
Foods to Avoid One Week Before Plastic Surgery
Your Plastic Surgeon may recommend that you avoid certain foods, supplements, and beverages the week before your surgery due to their ability to influence blood clotting and other factors. In addition, you must communicate to your surgeon all medications and supplements you are regularly taking at this time. Common omissions that your surgeon may require a week before surgery include:
Omega 3 – The Omega family has been shown to thin blood and increase bleeding, factors that can impact your surgery.
Vitamins E, D, K, B, A & D – This family of vitamins can interfere with anesthesia.
Herbal Supplements – Your surgeon will want a detailed list of all herbal supplements you regularly consume to ensure that none can cause complications, such as blood-thinning, before your surgery. Make sure you have a list prepared to discuss with your surgeon, including your multivitamin. Common anti-coagulant offenders include ginger, green tea, cayenne, nightshade veggies, and ginkgo.
Anticipate that it is common for surgeons to request that you stop the use of all supplements prior to surgery. Most supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and unknown additives can cause bleeding complications, or kidney or liver malfunction which can influence how patients process anesthetic drugs or post- operative prescriptions.
Alcohol – Alcohol can not only thin the blood, but it can also be very dehydrating to your system. Therefore, you will want to be as hydrated as possible before surgery and ensure that your body’s energy is devoted to healing from surgery and not a hangover.
Caffeine – Caffeine elevates your resting heart rate and can increase bleeding and sensitivity. Therefore, your surgeon will most likely have you abstain from caffeine for at least one to two days before your surgery.
Foods to Avoid After Your Plastic Surgery
As your body enters the recovery stage after your Plastic Surgery, you’ll want it primed for healing. This interval of time is when you’ll want to ensure that the energy your body takes in from food is devoted to rebuilding healthy tissues, decreasing inflammation, boosting your immune system, and flushing your body of cellular waste. To achieve this, consider abstaining from these foods after surgery:
Sugar – Refined sugar is worth cutting from your diet regardless of if you are healing from surgery or not! Sugar has been tied to increased inflammation in the body and even suppressing the immune system.
Salt – Hydration is critical for healing. Excessive sodium consumption can cause fluid retention and prolong any swelling or puffiness you may have after surgery.
Alcohol – Like salt, alcohol can also cause fluid retention and prolonged swelling after surgery, but more importantly, it may have negative, even dangerous interactions with some of the pain medications you may be prescribed after surgery.
Your body will demand additional vitamins, minerals, and nutrients after Plastic Surgery to ensure you have the energy required for healing and to help reduce swelling, ward off infection, resolve pain, and even keep your spirits up! Never underestimate the healing power of food. Set yourself up for success by following these recommendations and discussing diet and nutrition with your Plastic Surgeon before your procedure. Strive to keep the healthy habits you adopt before and after your surgery to ensure that your results maintain their longevity and your overall health is enhanced for years to come!