Post Plastic Surgery Supplements for Recovery

What should I eat and take for optimal surgery recovery and wound healing?

At Azurite we believe the best results can be achieved when a client takes the time to prepare their body holistically. Doing so can drastically reduce inflammation and mild infections as well as keep the body’s stamina up during recovery. The anti-inflammatory properties of certain nutrients play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and supporting the healing process. Below you will find a variety of suggestions to help minimise any post surgery symptoms. Many of the vitamin suggestions are what we have incorporated into our daily lives – however, please always seek the guidance of a medical professional if you have any existing medical conditions:

  • Remember to eat plenty of lean protein: as without lean protein, the body is unable to regenerate collagen and healing. Sources include: Essential amino acids found in these proteins are vital for tissue repair and recovery.

  • Skinless Chicken or Turkey

  • 90% (or Leaner) Ground Beef

  • Beans & Lentils

  • Lowfat or Nonfat Dairy

  • Fish & Shellfish

  • Tofu & Other Soy Foods

  • Nuts, Nut Butters & Seeds

  • Eggs

  • Purchase Arnica, an alternative herb, which is available from most pharmacies to assist with pain control and bruising. Apply daily through the cream or alternatively purchase tablets.

  • Take a high-quality multi-vitamin after surgery. Choose one that contains 25 to 50 mg of the B - complex vitamins. Vitamin E supports immune function but be cautious with supplements as they can increase bleeding risks.

  • Surgical trauma causes an increase in free radicals, which disrupt and damage cellular function. For this reason alone, you should take at least 50 mg of CoQ10 as part of your daily routine before surgery, and 100–200 mg per day for at least four weeks during surgery recovery.

  • Because surgery depletes your body of vitamin C, take 1,000 mg three times a day after surgery. Return to your usual dosage after two weeks. (Please note: avoid if you have had any implant surgery.) Numerous studies indicate that vitamin C helps prevent surgical shock and post-surgical bed-sores and that it significantly speeds healing time. It’s also necessary for the production of collagen—an essential structural protein used in wound repair.

  • Begin taking milk thistle for at least a month after surgery. This wonderful herb protects, rejuvenates and repairs the liver. General anaesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery are exceptionally hard on the liver, so anything you can do to protect this vital organ will be a big plus for your surgery recovery.

  • Increase your zinc intake to 30–50 mg for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Zinc is critical to wound healing, and surgery or trauma can decrease the level of zinc in your body.

  • Internal Iodine supplementation – Iodine is capable of killing all types of pathogens including bacteria, virus, fungi, yeast, and protozoa. However, if you have a thyroid disorder please seek medical guidance. Doses up to a 1 mg are tolerated well by majority of indivudals. However, for further information on Iodine we suggest reading https://www.optimox.com/iodine-study-9:

  • We also recommend purchasing Betadine to ensure frequent cleaning of wounds particularly in humid Thailand.

  • Selenium - Australia in particular is quite deficient in selenium within their soil which can wreck havoc on the immune system and make it more susceptible to viral infections. We recommend incorporating selenium supplementation into your diet or eating brazil nuts which are high in selenium.

  • Start taking a probiotic supplement two weeks before surgery, and continue using it for at least a month afterwards—or, better yet, indefinitely. Choose a strain that contains acidophilus and Bifida bacteria (follow label instructions for dosage). Surgical patients often receive oral or intravenous antibiotics in the hospital, which creates the potential for fungal disorders (including yeast infections), digestive disturbances and diarrhoea. A probiotic can help counteract these problems, promoting surgery recovery.

  • Take 250 mg of vitamin B6 twice a day for a week, starting three days after surgery. This nutrient helps reduce post-surgical fluid retention, such as swelling of the face, hands, feet or legs. The swelling usually takes two to four weeks to go down. With B6, you can experience a substantial reduction within 24 to 48 hours.

  • To reduce inflammation, take 2,000–3,000 mg of omega-3 fish oil per day for two weeks after surgery. You can then go to a maintenance dosage of 500–1,000 mg per day. If fish oil is already part of your daily routine, be sure to stop taking it five days before surgery, since it can promote blood thinning and increase bleeding during operation.

  • Take bromelain on an empty stomach for two weeks after surgery (follow label instructions for dosage). This formidable pineapple enzyme supplement helps prevent blood clots, aids the liver and digestion and decreases inflammation and pain after surgery—all vital to surgery recovery. It also helps to remove protein debris that forms at trauma sites. Alternatively, purchase pineapple the fruit. It’s also quite easily to obtain from the buffet on the hotel package.

  • Another alternative to speed up recovery is a fruit that is naturally grown in Thailand, known as the Mangosteen. Ask your Assistant to provide you with this amazing super food.

A healthy diet should include a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that support the healing process. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, are crucial for recovery and require healthy fats for proper absorption.

Adequate hydration helps to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and support overall health. Hydration also plays a significant role in maintaining skin health, which is essential for a smooth recovery process.

Nutrition and Diet for Surgical Recovery

A well-balanced diet is crucial for surgical recovery. Adequate nutrition provides the body with the necessary building blocks for healing, tissue repair, and immune function. A healthy diet should include a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that support the healing process.

In addition to a healthy diet, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Adequate hydration helps to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and support overall health. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and consider increasing your intake if you’re experiencing excessive bleeding or drainage.

Essential Supplements for Surgical Recovery

While a healthy diet is essential for surgical recovery, supplements can help fill any nutritional gaps. Some essential supplements for surgical recovery include:

  • Vitamin C: This vitamin is crucial for collagen production, wound healing, and immune function. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.

  • Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential for immune function, bone health, and overall well-being. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These anti-inflammatory fatty acids support heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. Foods rich in omega-3s include fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

  • Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria support gut health, immune function, and overall well-being. Foods rich in probiotics include yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables.

Trina’s Recommendations for Cleansing & General Health

As a healthcare professional, I recommend incorporating cleansing and detoxifying practices into your daily routine to support overall health and well-being. Some of my favorite recommendations include:

  • Drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins and promote hydration

  • Incorporating probiotics into your diet to support gut health

  • Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables

  • Practicing stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing

  • Getting regular exercise to promote circulation and overall health

Creating a Personalized Supplement Plan

Creating a personalized supplement plan can help ensure you’re getting the necessary nutrients for optimal health and surgical recovery. Consider the following steps:

  • Consult with a healthcare professional to determine your individual nutritional needs

  • Identify any nutritional gaps in your diet and supplement accordingly

  • Choose high-quality supplements from reputable manufacturers

  • Follow the recommended dosage and guidelines for each supplement

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Your Plan

Monitoring your progress and adjusting your plan as needed is crucial for optimal health and surgical recovery. Consider the following steps:

  • Keep a food diary or journal to track your eating habits and supplement intake

  • Monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed

  • Consult with a healthcare professional regularly to ensure you’re on track

  • Be patient and consistent, as optimal health and surgical recovery take time

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to nutrition and supplements for surgical recovery, there are several common mistakes to avoid. These include:

  • Not consulting with a healthcare professional before starting supplements

  • Taking too many supplements or exceeding the recommended dosage

  • Not choosing high-quality supplements from reputable manufacturers

  • Not monitoring progress and adjusting the plan as needed

  • Not prioritizing a healthy diet and lifestyle

By avoiding these common mistakes and following the recommendations outlined above, you can support optimal health and surgical recovery. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Trina's Recommendations for cleansing & general health with vitamin C - use AZURITE code for 10% off at IHerb*

Below is a list of supplements we take, we recommend at least one liver Tonic along with the liposomal glutathione and vitamin C as a starter. Before starting any supplement please take into account your own health and personal needs as we can't provide advice on your health.  No you do not need to take all of these at once*

If you would like to go all out - we also recommend complementing your supplementation with a chelation therapy such as https://www.coseva.com/advanced-trs/ (not available on IHerb but through independent distributors)