The Ultimate Guide to What to Eat Before and After Plastic Surgery (and Why)

Preparing for surgery isn’t just about clearing your schedule and arranging transportation—it’s also about nourishing your body to promote healing and recovery. Recent updates in nutrition guidelines provide new insights into how diet can support you before and after your procedure. Here’s everything you need to know, backed by expert advice from the surgeons at Centre for Plastic Surgery. 

Why Your Diet Matters Before Surgery

What you eat in the weeks leading up to surgery can significantly impact your body’s healing process. A healthy, well-balanced diet, rich in nutrients, can optimize your immune system, reduce inflammation, and support your body’s ability to recover quickly.

Key Nutrition Tips Two Weeks Before Surgery: 

1. Focus on Low-Fat Proteins, Fruits, and Vegetables: Protein-rich foods (like lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes) provide essential amino acids to build and repair tissues. Fruits and vegetables, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, combat inflammation and boost your immune system.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain your body’s natural processes, including circulation and nutrient transport, both of which are critical for a smooth recovery.
3. Upgrade to Whole Foods: Focus on nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods. Whole grains, dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds provide a steady supply of energy and minerals like zinc and iron, which are essential for wound healing.

Essential Nutrition Tips Two Days Before Surgery: 

• Avoid consuming alcohol, salty snacks, and fried foods before your procedure. These items can lead to dehydration or bloating, which may interfere with your preparation and overall comfort.
• Carefully follow the fasting instructions provided by your doctor. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for ensuring the procedure goes smoothly and successfully, reducing any risks or complications.

Post-Surgery Nutrition for Optimal Recovery

Your dietary needs change after surgery to support wound healing, reduce inflammation, and manage post-operative effects like nausea or constipation. Starting with light, easy-to-digest foods and gradually reintroducing your normal diet can help you avoid complications.

Immediately After Surgery:

Post-operative nausea is a common side effect of general anesthesia and is best managed with simple, bland foods like toast, crackers, or plain rice. Staying hydrated is equally important; opt for easy-to-digest fluids such as Gatorade, flat ginger ale, or herbal tea.

Pro Tip: If you're a regular coffee or caffeine drinker, consider gradually reducing your intake before surgery to prevent withdrawal headaches during recovery.

The First 24–48 Hours:

Once nausea subsides, it’s important to re-nourish your body with nutrient-rich foods. Focus on vitamin C from citrus fruits and berries, which are essential for collagen production and wound healing. Include protein from sources like fish, chicken, tofu, or plant-based alternatives to help rebuild tissues. Additionally, incorporate probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt or fermented vegetables to support gut health, especially if antibiotics were prescribed.

Long-Term Recovery:

Constipation is a common side effect of pain medications, particularly opioids, often prescribed after surgeries like a tummy tuck. To prevent discomfort and support a smoother recovery, focus on hydration and nutrition. Drink plenty of water to aid digestion and promote regularity. Incorporate fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals to keep your digestive system functioning well. Add omega-3s from sources like salmon, walnuts, or chia seeds to help reduce inflammation and encourage healing. Cooked leafy greens like spinach and kale are gentle on your stomach and packed with anti-inflammatory nutrients. To further support recovery, ensure adequate vitamin D through supplements or vitamin D-rich foods, which can strengthen your immune system and promote bone health, especially if your mobility is limited. By following these simple yet effective steps, you can ease side effects and enhance your healing process. And remember, if you have any concerns or questions during recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon.

Other Important Considerations

1. Speak to Your Surgeon About Diet Restrictions: If you follow a special diet or have medical conditions such as diabetes, consult your surgeon or dietitian for tailored recommendations. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels before and after surgery is critical to reduce complications and improve healing outcomes.
2. Avoid the Temptation of Overloading on Supplements: While it’s important to stay nourished, taking excessive supplements, especially without your doctor’s approval, could lead to adverse effects. Instead, prioritize natural, whole food sources of vitamins and minerals.
3. Monitor Progress and Adjust if Needed: Your body’s nutritional demands may vary depending on the type of surgical procedure. For example, more invasive surgeries might require additional protein and calorie intake to aid tissue repair and energy recovery. Keep monitoring your body and follow your doctor’s guidance.

Wrapping Up

Preparing your body for surgery and supporting recovery through nutrition isn’t just a smart choice—it’s essential. The combination of a well-balanced diet with targeted pre- and post-surgery adjustments can make a significant difference in your healing process.

If you’re still unsure how to tailor your pre-surgery eating habits or optimize your post-surgery diet, reach out to your surgeon or a licensed dietitian. Remember, a strong body heals faster!

Keep these steps in mind, and you’ll be on your way to a smoother surgical experience and a quicker recovery.