Recovering from surgery is a challenging process, but the right nutrition after surgery can play a pivotal role in supporting the body’s healing and recovery. During this time, your body needs extra care to repair tissues, boost immune function, and manage inflammation. By consuming nutrient-rich foods, you can help speed up the recovery process, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness!
The nutritional plan that follows was developed by our L&P Aesthetics team, including double-board certified facial plastic surgeons and post-operative nurses, who have seen hundreds of patients through their recovery. Our staff understands the importance of a holistic approach to recovery and offers these nutritional principles for aiding your post-surgery recovery.
Protein-Rich Foods: Essential for Tissue Repair
Protein is crucial for healing after surgery. Protein helps rebuild tissues, supports immune function, and can reduce the risk of infection. To maximize recovery, focus on protein-rich foods such as:
- Lean meats (chicken, turkey)
- Fish
- Eggs
- Greek yogurt
- Tofu, beans, and lentils
- Nuts
Vitamin-Rich Foods: Boost Your Immune System and Collagen Production
Vitamins A, C, and E play a key role in immune function, collagen production, and overall healing. Include these vitamin-rich foods in your recovery diet:
- Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach
- Vitamin C: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers
- Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, avocado
Iron and Zinc: Strengthen Immunity and Promote Tissue Repair
Iron and zinc are vital minerals for immune support and tissue repair. Good sources include:
- Iron: Red meat (in moderation), shellfish, beans, fortified cereals
- Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, beans, meat, and shellfish
Fiber-Rich Foods: Combat Post-Surgery Irregularity
Post-surgery medications and reduced physical activity can lead to constipation. Fiber-rich foods help prevent this discomfort:
- Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, and farro
- Fruits: Berries, pears, apples
- Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, green beans
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas
Hydration: Essential for Nutrient Transport
Stay hydrated to help your body transport essential nutrients and maintain energy. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, or coconut water. Avoid sugary drinks, as they can interfere with recovery.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Reduce Swelling and Promote Healing
Inflammation is part of the healing process, but too much can slow down recovery. Ensure your nutrition after surgery includes some of these foods to reduce inflammation:
- Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), cherries, and pineapple
- Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and beets
- Healthy fats: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts, seeds, and olive oil
- Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, and brown rice
- Legumes: Lentils, black beans, and chickpeas
- Herbs and spices: Turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon
- Beverages: Green tea, herbal teas, and bone broth
Foods to Limit or Avoid: Pro-Inflammatory Choices
Certain foods can worsen inflammation and hinder healing, so it’s best to limit or avoid them:
- Processed meats (e.g., sausages, hot dogs)
- Refined carbohydrates (white bread, pastries)
- Sugary snacks and drinks
- Fried or heavily processed foods
- Trans fats and hydrogenated oils
Post Surgery Tips
Foods to Avoid Post-Surgery: Boost Your Healing Power
In the weeks after surgery, some foods can impede your body’s healing abilities:
- Processed foods: High in sodium and unhealthy fats
- Sugary foods and drinks: These can impair wound healing
- Alcohol: Can interfere with medication and dehydrate your body
- Caffeinated beverages: May lead to dehydration (limit to small amounts)
- Fried and processed foods
- Trans fats and hydrogenated oils
Sample Post-Surgery Meal Plan
Here’s a sample meal plan that incorporates the essential nutrients for post-surgery recovery. This plan provides soft, easy-to-digest foods in the first few days, followed by a gradual introduction of regular foods, and a balanced diet in the weeks that follow.
Days 1-3: Soft and Easily Digestible Foods
- Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, banana, spinach, and berries
- Snack: Applesauce or mashed avocado
- Lunch: Pureed vegetable soup (carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini)
- Snack: Protein shake or bone broth
- Dinner: Mashed potatoes with baked fish and steamed spinach
Days 4-7: Gradual Introduction of Regular Foods
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with whole-grain toast and avocado
- Snack: Cottage cheese with fresh fruit
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers)
- Snack: Hummus with sliced cucumber and carrots
- Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potato and steamed broccoli
Week 2 and Beyond: Balanced Diet
- Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit
- Snack: Greek yogurt with honey and granola
- Lunch: Turkey or tofu salad with mixed greens, avocado, and olive oil dressing
- Snack: Boiled egg or protein-rich snack bar
- Dinner: Lean beef or plant-based protein with brown rice and sautéed kale
Properly fueling yourself after your surgery can have an incredible impact on your recovery. However, The iO Clinic also offers additional support! The Surgical Recovery Package, curated by Drs. Lieberman and Parikh along with the recovery team at The iO Clinic and L&P Aesthetics is specifically designed to expedite the recovery process. From dives in the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, to the customized recovery IV, and LightStim LED Therapy, our Surgical Recovery Package ensures patients a faster recovery and eases any post-operative discomfort.
Coupled with our nutritional guidelines, L&P Aesthetics and the iO Clinic are thrilled to provide the best post-surgical care to our patients. If you are not a surgical patient of L&P Aesthetics but are still interested in receiving post-operative care from our providers, please contact us at (650) 508-6565 or via email here.
Steven Curti, MD
Dr. Steven Curti is a double board-certified head and neck surgeon and fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving Palo Alto and Los Gatos, CA. He trained in the San Francisco Bay Area directly under Dr. David Lieberman and Dr. Sachin Parikh, elevating his aesthetic skills and sensibilities to provide the caliber of natural-looking results the surgeons are renowned for providing.
