Whether you’re planning on having a tummy tuck, gynecomastia, liposuction, or a neck lift, recovery after plastic surgery is most likely a concern. The good news is that you can take steps now to prepare for your upcoming procedure. These steps can dramatically improve your recovery time after plastic surgery at Sacramento Surgical Arts.
Scheduling Body Contouring Surgery
If you plan to have any type of elective surgery, do your best to schedule it when you are in good health. Being healthy during your surgery will give your immune system its best chance toward a speedy recovery. Many patients schedule their surgery during vacation time. Having a cosmetic procedure at a cosmetic surgery center during vacation time will allow patients the time they need to heal in peace.
Get Plenty of Nutrients Before and After
Getting enough nutrients can help your body heal faster. Eating a diverse diet packed with plenty of dark leafy greens, lean meats, and other fruits and vegetables will prepare your body for surgery. Your Sacramento plastic surgeon may recommend that you supplement your diet before and after the surgery with vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, zinc, and selenium. Each plays a role in wound healing and in building the immune system. Increasing the vitamins that help with wound healing and boost the immune system will reduce the chance of getting an infection post-surgery. Consuming sufficient nutrients is especially important for recovery after more comprehensive procedures, including liposuction, tummy tucks, gynecomastia, and facelifts.
Increase Your Protein Intake
Some of the most important healing elements when recovering from surgery are calories and protein. Extra protein helps build new tissue and blood vessels. It can also help your body repair injured tissue and step up cell production, which will help the body heal faster. Choose high-quality protein sources like fish, poultry, legumes, seafood, and lean meats. Getting enough protein isn’t always easy, but there are ways to increase your protein-intake that don’t involve extra cooking. Adding protein powder to low-sugar yogurt can help you get the protein you need. Of course, always avoid foods that provoke allergic reactions.
Your Sacramento Plastic Surgeon
Your plastic surgeon will want to know every supplement you usually take; there is a possibility that your surgeon will advise you to stop taking them. Some nutritional supplements can cause adverse reactions during or after surgery, including prolonged bleeding, cardiovascular disturbance, interference with anesthesia, and interactions with post-surgery prescription drugs. Certain supplements, including fish oil, vitamin E, echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginseng, kava kava, St. John’s Wort, Dong Quai, and ephedra should be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery. You should not take these supplements for at least two weeks after your surgery. Make sure to tell your Sacramento, CA, plastic surgeon about every supplement you are taking and every supplement you plan to take.
Take a Probiotic with Antibiotics
The antibiotics often prescribed following a surgical procedure can cause constipation and other digestive problems. Your plastic surgeon may advise you to take a probiotic after your surgery to help prevent GI upset. Your doctor will be able to recommend a probiotic to make your recovery more pleasant.
Body Contouring Surgery in CA
One of the best ways to decrease your healing time and get the best results from your surgery is to quit smoking. Cosmetic surgery is an excellent excuse to quit smoking. Smoking affects the health of your cells, which affects the way your body heals. If you have questions about plastic surgery, call Sacramento Surgical Arts to schedule a consultation by calling 866.930.5837.
