How Easter Eggs & Other Healthy Foods Can Help Expedite Your Recovery
Many procedures these days for facial plastic surgery are minimally or non-invasive and require little recovery time. Even some of today’s major cosmetic surgeries can also call for less downtime than five or ten years ago. The advances in technology and modern techniques are wonderful in helping us heal; however, the body still needs adequate time to heal from any type of procedure. Even more, the actual process of facial plastic surgery recovery, and the desired outcomes, have a lot to do with the behavior of patients before and after surgery; in particular, how much rest time they take advantage of, as well as what kind of diet they choose to assist in their recovery. Below are some suggested tips on what to do and what to eat during recovery time.
Be Proactive
Making simple preparations are important to recovering properly from surgery, and can make things easier on the body and mind.
- Designate a Helper - Having at least one other responsible adult to assist you during recovery, as well as to remind you of instructions is crucial to healing. This person can also help take care of things you may temporarily not be able to do while recovering.
- Prepare Your Recovery Area – Make sure you have a designated area in your home to quietly rest and relax during downtime. Also, it helps to have access to a personal restroom, as well as prescribed medications and other things to help you spend quiet stress-free time, like magazines, books, TV and other essential electronics. If you can, fill the room with an awesome and relaxing scent, fresh flowers, or tranquil sounds to help you relax.
- Prepare Your Kitchen – One of the most important things to prep is your fridge and kitchen cabinets. Purchase whole-type foods that you can eat without having to prepare them, like lots of pre-cut fresh fruits and veggies, waters, as well as nuts and easy open foods (cheese sticks, yogurts, etc.) Eating these things prior to surgery will also help boost the immune system with proper nutrition. Prepare easy meals and soups to freeze prior to surgery, so they can be simply warmed and eaten afterwards.
Follow Instructions Carefully
Experienced reconstructive surgeons, like Dr. Patt of Houston Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, provide instructions for preparing for and recovering from surgery. Patients need to carefully follow them, as they make a significant difference in how the area heals and on the final results. Cutting corners and not following post-operative instructions can be extremely detrimental to a patient’s well-being, and further limit the aesthetic results that are expected from surgery.
Most instructions will require you to get plenty of sleep or rest, restrain from many physical activities, take medications as directed, and drink extra fluids for hydration. Patients must avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine prior to surgery, and afterwards for a designated time.
What to Eat After Surgery
Besides sleep continuing to be a priority for quicker healing, a post-operative diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, protein, and vitamins and minerals will also help expedite healing. The fiber, for example, helps with the feeling of fatigue and helps you avoid constipation. Whole grains, raspberries and apples, broccoli and spinach, and beans are high in fiber.
Protein, found in eggs, fish, and chicken will help repair tissue, muscles, and the skin. Vitamin K promotes blood clotting and can be found in liver, fish, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin D for bone and marrow health, and vitamins A and C are also ideal for fast healing. All of these power-packed vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy-boosting carbohydrates can be found in eating foods from the rainbow of colors – reds, leafy greens, oranges, yellow squashes, and purple berries. Incorporating vegetable soups with whole grain noodles and beans can be helpful the first day or so after facial plastic surgery, especially for an upset tummy and a low appetite.
Avoiding highly processed foods, high-fat fried foods, sugary treats, drinks, as well as a diet high in salt is key to a faster and smoother recovery time. Fluids are still crucial, so drink up, eat well, and sleep often to get the best possible results from surgery.
If you’re in Houston, connect with Dr. Patt for more information, or to consult with him if you’re considering facial plastic surgery. tel:281-552-8111. Feel free to schedule an appointment online today!
