What You Need To Eat (And Avoid) During Liposuction Recovery To Ensure Long-Lasting Results
“You are what you eat…” or so the old saying goes.
In a very real sense, this is true. Your body uses what you eat to build new cells and repair the damage to old cells. That’s why eating right is important for people recovering from liposuction surgery—or any surgery, for that matter. Your post-liposuction diet matters!
After liposuction, you want to give your body the best ingredients possible to ensure you heal fast and reduce the chances of complications with your recovery. You wouldn’t want to build your house with sketchy, sub-par materials, and you shouldn’t eat nutrient-poor, ultra-processed foods when recovering from liposuction.
In this blog post, we will discuss what you should eat after liposuction and what to avoid to heal fast and to set yourself up with a healthy weight strategy to maintain your liposuction results long term. You’ll want to take this opportunity to create a healthy diet and get rid of unhealthy eating habits.
Synergistiq Wellness is the premier body sculpting center in Tampa. If you are curious about liposuction, fat transfers, or other body sculpting cosmetic procedures, book a free, no-obligation consultation with our plastic surgeon today
What You Eat After Liposuction Matters. Here’s Why
When making an investment in your body to get liposuction, it’s essential to follow a healthy diet for two main reasons:
- Eating right supports the postoperative healing process in the short term.
- Eating right sets the stage for long-lasting liposuction results.
Check out our blog post on what you have to do to ensure your liposuction results last.
Optimizing Your Diet For Successful Liposuction Recovery
After liposcultping, your body will need proper nutrition to heal and recover. It is crucial to follow a well-balanced diet that includes healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Your diet should also contain vitamins and minerals that promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system.
Your diet after liposuction surgery can optimize and streamline the natural healing process.
Optimizing Your Diet So Liposuction Results Last
Maintaining a healthy diet after liposuction is crucial for ensuring long-lasting results. A diet high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber can help maintain your weight. Liposuction does remove fat cells permanently, but it doesn’t remove all fat cells in a given area.
The fat cells that remain after liposuction can still expand and grow if you eat poorly and don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet that contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can also help keep your skin healthy and youthful.
Starting a healthy post-op diet after liposuction surgery will help you maintain a stable weight, so you avoid stubborn fat and keep a healthy metabolism for the long term.
What Foods Should You Eat After Liposuction?
So, what should you eat after liposuction then? Get ready because this list is long and contains foods that might surprise you. Hello, dark chocolate!
Healthy Proteins
Protein is essential for tissue repair and helps the body build new cells. After liposuction, you should consume lean proteins like fish, chicken, turkey, beans, and legumes. These foods are also rich in essential amino acids that help your body heal.
Fish
Fish is an excellent source of lean protein and healthy fats, making it an ideal food to include in your diet after liposuction. Fish, such as salmon, trout, and mackerel, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote healing and reduce swelling after liposuction.
Lean Meats
Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and pork loin are excellent sources of protein. Protein, as you already know, is essential for tissue repair and helps the body build new cells. It is important to choose lean cuts of meat that are low in saturated fat, as high levels of saturated fat can cause inflammation and slow down the healing process after liposuction. Lean meats are also rich in iron, which helps promote healthy blood flow and can aid in the healing process.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are an excellent source of vegetarian protein and are rich in fiber, which helps promote gut health and keeps you feeling full for longer. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are crucial for promoting wound healing and boosting your immune system after liposuction.
Tree Nuts
Tree nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc, which help promote wound healing and reduce inflammation after liposuction. These nuts can be eaten as a snack or added to meals like salads, stir-fries, and smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition.
Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help promote healing and reduce inflammation after liposuction. These foods can also help keep your skin healthy and youthful, which can enhance the results of your liposuction procedure.
Here are some examples of the best fruits and vegetables to include in your diet after liposuction.
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which help promote wound healing and boost your immune system. These greens are also high in fiber, which helps promote gut health and keep you feeling full for longer.
Berries and Stone Fruit
Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and promote skin health. Stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines are also high in antioxidants and fiber.
Tubers and Gourds
Tubers like sweet potatoes and yams are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, which help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. Gourds like butternut squash and pumpkin are also high in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
Dark Chocolate … No, Really!
Dark chocolate can be a good snack for liposuction patients as it is rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. It is also a good source of healthy fats and fiber. However, it is important to choose dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa (70% or higher) and avoid chocolate that is high in sugar or additives.
Vitamins and Minerals To Include In Your Diet
In addition to incorporating healthy fats, protein, and fiber into your diet after liposuction, it is essential to ensure that you are getting enough essential vitamins and minerals to support your body’s healing process. Here are some key vitamins and minerals to include in your diet:
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for bone health and plays a critical role in wound healing. It also helps regulate muscle and nerve function and supports a healthy immune system. Foods rich in magnesium include spinach, almonds, cashews, and legumes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and helps promote wound healing. It also supports immune function and can decrease inflammation. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, as well as from fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for wound healing and boosts the immune system. It also acts as an antioxidant and can fight inflammation. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and promotes bone health. It also supports wound healing and helps reduce inflammation. Foods rich in vitamin K include leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Zinc
Zinc is essential for wound healing and helps boost the immune system. It also supports skin health and can lower inflammation. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, red meat, and beans.
Probiotic Foods
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help support a healthy gut microbiome and boost your immune system. Including probiotic-rich foods in your diet after liposuction can help promote healing and support your overall health. Here are some examples of probiotic-rich foods to include in your diet:
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is rich in probiotics and is an extraordinary source of calcium and vitamin D. It can help support gut health and boost your immune system.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is rich in probiotics and antioxidants. It can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish that is rich in probiotics and is an amazing source of vitamins A and C. It can help support gut health and ease inflammation.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a fermented dairy product that is rich in probiotics and is an exceptional source of calcium and protein. It can help support gut health and boost your immune system.
Pickles
Pickles are a fermented vegetable dish that is rich in probiotics and is an incredible source of electrolytes. They can help defend gut health and decrease inflammation.
Miso
Miso is a fermented soybean paste that is rich in probiotics and is a great source of protein. It can help sustain gut health and lessen inflammation.
Foods to Avoid After Liposuction
Now that you have a good idea of what you should eat, it’s time to talk about the foods you need to avoid after liposuction (and probably for good).
Processed Foods—Meats, Breads, And Other Processed Food Products
Processed foods like deli meats, sausages, hot dogs, and other packaged food products often contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors, which can induce inflammation and hinder the healing process. It is best to avoid these foods and opt for fresh, whole foods instead.
Foods High In Sugar
Foods high in sugar, like candy, soda, and other sweets, can increase inflammation and increase the risk of infection after surgery. They also have empty calories and can cause weight gain. It is best to limit your sugar intake and opt for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and fruit.
Foods High In Saturated Fats
Foods high in saturated fats, like fried foods, red meat, and full-fat dairy products, can make inflammation worse and slow down the healing process. It is best to avoid these foods and opt for leaner protein sources and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocado.
Schedule Liposuction in Tampa at Synergistiq Wellness
Eating a healthy, balanced diet after liposuction is essential for promoting healing and ensuring long-lasting results. It is best to avoid processed foods, sugary foods, and foods high in saturated fats and instead opt for lean proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
If you want to talk more about liposuction, book your no-obligation free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons.