Why is nutrition important before and after plastic surgery?

Proper nutrition helps prepare your body for surgery, supports faster healing, reduces inflammation, minimizes complications, and promotes better long-term results.

What should I eat before surgery?

Focus on lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated and increase your protein intake to aid tissue repair.

What foods or substances should I avoid before surgery?

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, and anti-inflammatory supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, or turmeric, as they may increase bleeding risks. Stop smoking and vaping at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.

What should I eat after plastic surgery?

Eat protein-rich foods, vitamin C, zinc, iron, and fiber. Choose soft, easy-to-digest meals, stay hydrated, and avoid salty and processed foods to reduce swelling.

Are supplements recommended after surgery?

Always ask your surgeon first. Common recommendations include vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, zinc, and probiotics. Avoid blood-thinning supplements like vitamin E or herbal remedies unless advised.

Nutritional Guidelines to Follow Before and After Surgery

Introduction: Why Nutrition Matters in Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery isn’t just about what happens in the operating room—it’s also about how your body prepares for and recovers from the procedure. And nothing impacts healing quite like nutrition. What you eat before and after surgery can influence everything from recovery speed and inflammation to the risk of complications and scarring.

At VIVE Plastic Surgery, we believe that every step of your journey matters, and that includes your diet. Let’s break down the nutritional do’s and don’ts before and after your cosmetic procedure.

Before Surgery: Getting Your Body Ready

1. Build a Nutrient-Rich Foundation

Start preparing your body at least two weeks before surgery by focusing on clean, nutrient-dense foods:

Lean proteins (chicken, turkey, fish, tofu)
Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially those rich in vitamin C and antioxidants)
Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)
Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts)
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to flush toxins and keep skin hydrated.

Think of your body as prepping for a marathon—it needs fuel, not filler.

2. Increase Your Protein Intake

Protein is essential for tissue repair and collagen production. You’ll need it before and after surgery to promote wound healing and maintain muscle mass.

Try to eat 1.2–2.0 grams of protein per kg of body weight daily, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.

Good sources include:

Chicken breast
Eggs
Legumes
Greek yogurt
Protein shakes (with clean ingredients)

3. Avoid Certain Foods and Substances

There are some foods and supplements that you should cut out or reduce before surgery:

Alcohol: Can increase bleeding and interfere with anesthesia.
Caffeine: Can dehydrate the body.
Highly processed foods: Often high in sodium, sugar, and preservatives.
Anti-inflammatory supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, or turmeric: May increase bleeding risk—stop 1–2 weeks before surgery unless cleared by your doctor.

Always review your supplement list with your surgeon.

4. Stop Smoking and Vaping

Nicotine restricts blood flow and significantly delays healing. If you smoke, plan to stop at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. This also applies to nicotine patches and vapes.

After Surgery: Fueling Recovery

1. Focus on Healing Foods

Once your surgery is complete, your body needs the right nutrients to heal efficiently and avoid complications like infections or poor scarring.

Post-op essentials:

Protein-rich meals: Aim for soft, easy-to-digest proteins in the first few days (scrambled eggs, smoothies, protein shakes).
Vitamin C: Crucial for collagen formation and immune support (oranges, bell peppers, strawberries).
Zinc: Helps repair tissue (pumpkin seeds, lentils, whole grains).
Iron: Supports oxygen transport (spinach, lean meats, fortified cereals).
Fiber and water: Prevent constipation from pain meds (fruits, veggies, whole grains, plenty of water).

2. Avoid Salty and Processed Foods

High sodium can lead to swelling and fluid retention. Stick to low-sodium meals and avoid fast food, canned soups, or chips in the early recovery phase.

3. Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals

Especially in the first few days post-op, your appetite may be lower. Rather than pushing large meals, eat small, nutrient-dense meals every few hours to maintain energy and blood sugar levels.

4. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is one of the most overlooked recovery tools. It helps:

Flush out anesthesia
Maintain skin elasticity
Speed up tissue regeneration

Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water per day, more if you’re in a warm climate like Tijuana.

Supplements: What to Take and What to Skip

Always talk to your surgeon before adding any supplements, but common post-surgery recommendations include:

Vitamin C (500–1000 mg/day)
B-complex vitamins
Zinc (15–30 mg/day)
Probiotics (to balance digestion after antibiotics)

Avoid:

Vitamin E (unless prescribed)
Herbal supplements
Blood thinners like aspirin

Sample Recovery Meal Plan (First 3 Days)

Meal	Food Ideas
Breakfast	Smoothie with banana, Greek yogurt, and protein powder
Snack	Applesauce or protein bar (low sugar)
Lunch	Grilled chicken with mashed sweet potatoes and steamed carrots
Snack	Cottage cheese with pineapple
Dinner	Lentil soup with whole grain toast

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping meals due to low appetite
Drinking carbonated beverages (can cause bloating)
Resuming alcohol or caffeine too soon
Eating spicy foods too early (can cause stomach irritation)

Personalized Nutrition Plans at VIVE

We understand that no two bodies are the same. That’s why we offer personalized pre- and post-surgery nutrition guidance tailored to your procedure and lifestyle. Whether you’re coming for a tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, or liposuction, we help set you up for optimal recovery.

Conclusion: Nutrition Is Part of the Surgery

Think of your body as a masterpiece in progress. Plastic surgery shapes it—but nutrition fuels the transformation. By following these guidelines before and after your procedure, you’re not just healing—you’re maximizing your results and investing in long-term health and beauty.

Let VIVE Plastic Surgery be your partner in this full-circle journey—from the consultation to recovery and beyond.

Enhance Your Body with the Best Plastic Surgery Procedures in Tijuana

At Vive Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries in Tijuana, designed to enhance your beauty and boost your confidence.

Body Enhancement and Contouring

If you’re looking to refine your shape and add volume, our BBL in Tijuana (Brazilian Butt Lift) and Liposuction (Lipo 360) procedures will help you achieve a more sculpted and harmonious figure. We also offer Tummy Tuck in Tijuana, a surgery ideal for removing excess skin and tightening the abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy.

For mothers wanting to restore their pre-pregnancy body, the Mommy Makeover (MMO in Tijuana) combines multiple procedures, such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, and a tummy tuck, to bring back a youthful and firm appearance.

Facial Rejuvenation and Bone Reshaping

Our clinic specializes in advanced facial procedures, including Rhinoplasty in Tijuana to enhance nasal aesthetics and function, as well as Facelift Surgery for a more youthful appearance. We also perform Rib Sculpting and Rib Subluxation, an innovative technique to create a slimmer waistline.

Intimate and Reconstructive Procedures

We understand the importance of feeling confident in all aspects of life. That’s why we offer Vaginoplasty in Tijuana, a procedure that enhances the aesthetics and function of the intimate area.

At Vive Plastic Surgery, we combine cutting-edge technology with expert surgeons to provide natural and safe results. Contact us today for a personalized consultation!