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Nutrition and Supplements: Speeding Up the Healing Process

Diet and nutrition is important not just for your daily health but also for anyone undergoing any surgical procedure including gender confirmation surgery such as breast augmentation top surgery. This article provides instructions for the recommended foods, drinks, medications, and supplements prior to your operation and during your recovery to optimize your healing. Keep in mind that these are many other healthy options and you are not limited to the recommendations listed here.

Pre-Surgery Planning

Healing after breast augmentation takes time, but there are steps you can take in advance of surgery to speed up the recovery process.

Stop Smoking – This step isn’t optional. If you’re considering breast augmentation, or any surgery at our practice, you must stop using tobacco at least three weeks before surgery and for another three weeks after surgery. Because smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, it can delay wound healing and may cause increased scarring.

Eat Low-Sodium – A high-sodium diet is one of the main causes of excess fluid retention, which can extend swelling during your recovery. Cutting out sodium in advance of surgery (1500 mg a day or less) will improve your recovery by diminishing swelling.

Discontinue Certain Medications – Prior to surgery, your surgeon will review all supplements and over-the-counter medications and prescriptions that you are currently taking or plan to take in the near future. Certain medications like aspirin can increase your risk or bruising and bleeding during recovery. Your surgeon will provide recommendations for discontinuing any prohibited medications.

Post-Surgery Nutrition

Below is a list of foods that are easy for your body to digest. When you eat foods that are easy to digest, your body can spend more energy on recovering. However, you are not limited to the foods listed here.Most important to note is that salt (sodium) should be avoided. High salt intake can cause swelling and may prolong your recovery.

Visit our page on Post-Op Low Sodium Food Options to learn more about meal-prep suggestions to accommodate low salt intake during the first two weeks after surgery.

Food and Drink Supply:

  • Prunes in moderation, for fiber
  • Yogurt, smoothies, apple sauce (good to take with your prescriptions to coat your stomach)
  • Frozen dessert bars
  • Fresh fruit: pineapple, papaya (reduces swelling)
  • Soups (low sodium to avoid swelling)
  • Plenty of water and juices
  • Bread for toast

The foods, supplements and medications listed below are to be used in moderation only:

Foods containing Salicylates:

Almonds, Apples, Apricots, Berries (Black, Boysenberry, Raspberry, Strawberry), Cherries, Cucumbers, Pickles, Currants, Grapes, Prunes, Tomatoes, Chinese Black Beans, Wine, and Alcohol (do not drink any alcoholic beverages beginning 1 week prior to surgery and for 1 week after surgery).

Medications and Supplements:

  • Aspirin and Ibuprofen containing medications (Do not take even one tablet of any of these within 2 weeks before operation. They thin the blood and can cause complications. Wait at least 1 week after surgery to begin taking these medications again.)
  • Herbs: Gingko Biloba, Ginger, Saint John’s Wort, Feverfew
  • Vitamins: E, Fish Oil, Garlic Tablets, Cholesterol Medications, Niacin. These should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery and for 1 week after surgery.
  • Important: All medications to be used for pain relief for menstrual cycle and arthritis are to be avoided even if they are not on the above list. (Please notify us about all vitamins you are taking.)
  • You will be given a comprehensive list of all medications to avoid beginning two weeks prior to your surgery date during your preoperative appointment.
  • Please be sure to notify the office of all medication you are taking. This includes all prescription and non-prescription medications.

Supplements and Remedies

There are a variety of natural supplements and remedies that can be used to speed up the healing process, and minimize some of the negative side effects often associated with recovery.

  • The roots and flowers of Arnica Montana have been used for hundreds of years to diminish swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
  • Bromelain is made from protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple extract and works as a natural anti-inflammatory to alleviate post-surgical swelling.
  • Selenium is a mineral that works as an anti-inflammatory to speed up wound healing and recovery.
  • Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, acts as an antioxidant to support the immune system and speed up recovery.

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