There is a strong tendency for people to not understand the risks of plastic surgery, particularly if it is elective. This often leads them to not take it as seriously as other types of surgery, such as a coronary bypass or an organ transplant, or to try to cut corners during the healing process. Unfortunately, this can lead to some of the same problems that can happen after any medically necessary surgery. Dr. Paul Pin strongly recommends his patients take the same amount of care following their elective plastic surgery as they would after any medically necessary surgery.

One excellent example in which plastic surgery patients should take care of themselves in much the same way as those who require surgery is in terms of which foods to eat following surgery in order to speed the healing process. Below, Dr. Pin outlines some of the best foods to eat to shorten up the healing time after surgery.

Fiber

It is not unusual for patients to suffer from constipation following any surgery. However, this can be a particular problem after an abdominal cosmetic procedure such as a tummy tuck. In order to combat this, Dr. Pin recommends eating plenty of fiber, including whole grains, beans, peas, apples, bananas, and broccoli.

Protein

Lean protein, such as chicken, pork, or turkey, is excellent for helping your body rebuild tissue and heal incisions. These meats are packed with amino acids, which are the building blocks for tissue and skin regeneration. Eating seafood will add zinc to your diet, which will also help you gain extra energy as you heal following surgery. If you do not eat meats, you can also get these proteins from eggs, nuts, beans, and tofu.

Citrus Fruit

Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C, which will help repair soft tissue damage and rebuild collagen (a protein that the body forms to fill itself out over the skeletal framework). Citrus may also prevent your nerves from getting overstimulated as they are healing. This will reduce any burning or itching sensations you may feel as your nerves are working to repair themselves and establish new neural pathways following surgery.

Iron

Iron-rich foods, such as meat, poultry, beans, apricots, eggs, whole grains and fortified cereals, help speed wound and suture healing, and provide you with energy after surgery. They do this by helping build up your body's store of hemoglobin. Some studies have shown that you should actually start increasing your iron intake prior to surgery.

Water

Add in plenty of water to keep your GI tract in top shape. Keeping hydrated will also prevent you from feeling constipated, dizzy, fatigued, lightheaded, or nauseous following surgery. A good goal is to drink 64 ounces of water a day. Try to avoid tea (herbal tea is OK), coffee, or soda.

Of course, Dr. Pin recommends that any post-surgery diet should, first and foremost, be sensible and balanced. Making sure you are getting the proper balance of vitamins and nutrients that will help your body heal faster following surgery will go a long way toward better final results that you will be pleased to show off to friends and family.