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The results of plastic surgery depend on several factors, such as the patient’s health conditions, the technique chosen and the plastic surgeon’s knowledge. In addition, post-operative care is essential — including eating foods that help with healing .
By making good food choices, it is possible to provide proteins , minerals , vitamins and other essential nutrients for the body. This means that the process occurs more smoothly and safely and the result of the procedure can also be more satisfactory.
Want to find out which are the main foods that help with healing? Keep reading and find out!
The role of nutrition in healing
Food provides the body with the nutrients it needs for the healing process. Without them, the creation of cells to regenerate tissue is impaired and may even be at risk.
Therefore, a good diet is essential for recovery to be effective and to reduce the risk of complications. This includes problems such as the appearance of keloids and the occurrence of infections.
A balanced diet is also essential after plastic surgery, not just for healing. Even after recovery, good eating habits help maintain healthy skin, prevent excessive weight gain, and contribute to overall body health.
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11 foods that help with healing
Since diet is one of the main factors responsible for the success of the cell regeneration process , it is essential to know what to include in your diet. Below, see 11 foods that help with healing after plastic surgery:
1. Avocado
One of the main allies in healing after plastic surgery is avocado . This fruit is a source of antioxidants , such as vitamin E.
These substances eliminate free radicals and help prevent cell damage. This makes the body’s recovery faster and more effective.
Another benefit is that avocado is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids . They have anti-inflammatory properties, which is essential for improving recovery.
This fruit also contains other essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, D and K — the latter is responsible for promoting coagulation and healing. To enjoy the benefits of avocado, it is worth eating it in salads, light sandwiches or smoothies, for example.
2. Fish rich in omega 3
The fatty acids that make up omega 3 are essential for health, but they are not produced naturally by the body. Therefore, it is essential to include them in your diet, especially during post-surgical recovery.
In healing, they are important for reducing inflammation , as they help to modulate the body’s response in the recovery process. In addition, they help to reduce discomfort.
Omega 3 also stimulates the production of collagen , which is essential for the support and elasticity of the skin. It also contributes to blood circulation, helping with the oxygenation and nutrition of cells, as well as the elimination of toxins.
One of the main sources of omega 3 is oily, cold-water fish. Options to include in your diet include salmon , sardines and tuna , and you can also ingest fish oil.
3. Citrus fruits
The high nutrient content of citrus fruits is one of the main reasons to add them to your diet after plastic surgery. In particular, many of them are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C , which are crucial for the healing process.
Vitamin C serves as a raw material for the production of collagen, helping in the proper recovery of skin cells. It is also an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress.
Vitamin A supports skin cell regeneration. In addition to accelerating healing, it helps reduce exposure to contaminants, which reduces the risk of infections.
Among the main citrus fruits to consume are orange and lemon . They can be consumed in their natural form, in juices and even in salads or other preparations.
4. Lean meats
Choosing lean meats during this period is especially important because they are good natural sources of protein . This nutrient helps repair muscle tissue and is essential for faster and more effective healing.
Another reason why these meats are among the foods that help with healing is the presence of essential amino acids . They contribute to the general functioning of the body, including the synthesis of collagen in the skin.
Depending on the type chosen, it is also possible to take advantage of other nutrients, such as vitamin B from eating chicken. It helps to speed up the metabolism, promoting healing.
In addition to chicken , other lean meat options can be included on the menu, such as turkey and duck . You can also choose lean cuts of beef and pork to incorporate into your daily meals.
The ideal is to choose healthy preparation methods, such as grilling the meat or steaming it.
5. Eggs
Because they are of animal origin, eggs are an important source of protein . By consuming them, it is possible to stimulate cell regeneration and the healing process.
Eggs are also rich in amino acids such as lysine and proline, which help the body’s recovery process. In addition, B vitamins and minerals found in this food promote post-surgical recovery.
To add them to your diet, you can use a variety of healthy preparations, such as boiled eggs, omelets and scrambled eggs .
6. Dark green vegetables
Eating vegetables is essential for a healthy diet. During the period after plastic surgery, it is worth giving preference to dark green vegetables.
They contain nutrients that promote healing, such as iron , which is used in the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to cells and promotes healing. Magnesium contributes to muscle health and metabolism.
These vegetables are also rich in antioxidants and have high levels of fiber , promoting digestive health.
The main vegetable options are kale, spinach, arugula and watercress . They can be included in the diet in the form of salads, light sandwiches, soups, smoothies and side dishes.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli deserves special mention for its ability to speed up healing . Folic acid contributes to tissue regeneration, while vitamin K also helps with coagulation.
It is also rich in antioxidants and strengthens the immune system . To increase your broccoli intake, you can grill or steam it, as well as add it to soups and salads.
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8. Garlic
More than just a popular seasoning, garlic is one of the main foods that help with healing. This happens, in particular, because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties .
Therefore, regular consumption of garlic during this period is essential to reduce the risk of infections, which speeds up recovery. It also helps prevent inflammation , reduce swelling and improve circulation , helping to relieve bruising.
Some ways to consume garlic include eating it raw, cooked or incorporated into recipes . However, it should not be consumed in excess, as it can harm blood clotting.
9. Pumpkin seeds
Often discarded, pumpkin seeds help with recovery after plastic surgery.
One of the main reasons is the supply of zinc to the body. This mineral is involved in the synthesis of proteins, including collagen — essential for tissue regeneration.
These seeds also have antioxidant properties and nutrients such as healthy fatty acids , such as omega 3. They can be consumed as healthy snacks when toasted, in smoothies or in salads, breads and cakes.
10. Honey
Another option to add to your diet after surgery is honey . It contains components such as flavonoids, which are antioxidants and effectively protect cells.
The food also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties . This is a way to prevent infections by opportunistic organisms, reducing the overall risk of healing.
To take advantage of its properties, honey can be consumed in its natural form or used as a natural sweetener, for example.
11. Water
For successful healing after plastic surgery, it is essential to keep the body hydrated . Therefore, drinking water and other liquids should be a priority in your diet.
Water is essential , for example, to maintain the proper functioning of cells — including stimulating their regeneration. It also stimulates blood circulation, promotes the elimination of toxins, reduces swelling and maintains the elasticity of the skin.
To obtain all the benefits, it is essential to drink water throughout the day , keeping the body constantly hydrated. It is also possible to resort to juices and teas, monitoring the total consumption throughout the day.
What foods to avoid after plastic surgery?
Just as there are several foods that help with healing, others can be harmful to the body’s recovery . Therefore, it is also essential to know which foods to avoid after plastic surgery.
See 9 foods to avoid:
- Ultra-processed foods : these are rich in preservatives, dyes and other additives and poor in nutrients, which can increase inflammation and swelling. Examples: fast foods and canned foods;
- Foods rich in sodium : they can increase fluid retention, worsening swelling and causing discomfort. Examples: preserved foods, processed meats and industrialized condiments;
- Fatty meats : they make digestion difficult and can also increase the body’s inflammatory response. Examples: bacon, sausage and rump steak;
- Foods rich in saturated or trans fats : they harm circulation, increase cardiovascular risk and can affect cell regeneration. Examples: fried foods and margarine;
- Soft drinks : they can increase inflammation during the recovery period and also cause gas and bloating because they are carbonated;
- Foods and drinks with high levels of sugar : These can cause sharp fluctuations in blood glucose, reduce the immune response and impair healing. Examples: industrialized desserts and juices;
- Fried foods : they increase cardiovascular risk, make digestion difficult and can increase discomfort levels. Examples: French fries and salty snacks;
- Alcoholic beverages : they increase inflammation and swelling, cause dehydration, impair healing, affect liver metabolism and can even interact with medications;
- Caffeine-rich drinks : These can lead to dehydration, increase fluid retention and even affect blood pressure. Examples: coffee and energy drinks.
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Importance of medical and nutritional guidance
Knowing which foods help with healing and which should be avoided does not replace the need to seek specialized support during this period. For a healthy recovery, medical and nutritional guidance is necessary .
With the help of trained health professionals , it is possible to receive specific guidance for each case. Those who undergo major plastic surgery, for example, usually need to pay extra attention to their diet.
This is the best way to receive a personalized diet . This way, you can have a smoother recovery process with fewer risks.
Taking care of your diet is taking care of yourself
After learning about 11 foods that help with healing and which ones should be avoided, you can have a more peaceful post-operative period. However, don’t forget that professional monitoring is still essential, allowing you to follow personalized recommendations.