Custom meal plans

We recommend a healthy eating plan tailored to your procedure to promote continued healing while ensuring you do not develop any further issues, i.e. constipation. Ideal nourishment can help towards a speedy recovery recapturing quality of life and vitality. A successful meal plan combines vitamins and minerals the body needs to heal, repair muscle and maintain energy, the right food after a surgical procedure depends on what kind of surgery was performed. We work closely with our in-house Registered Dietitian (RD), an expert on nutrition and diet, not only does she develop customised meal plans for each client, but also provides education and knowledge on how to make appropriate food choices in any situation.

Abdominoplasty Recovery Diet

What is abdominoplasty surgery?

Abdominoplasty, also known as ‘tummy tuck’, is a cosmetic enhancement surgery that slims down the abdominal area by removal of excess fat and loose skin from the abdominal area.

What type of food should you eat after an abdominoplasty?

It can take up to six weeks to recover fully from an abdominoplasty, what you eat after surgery can have a substantial impact on your healing and recovery process. A balanced post-surgery diet will not only aid recovery, but also keep weight in check thus maintaining quality abdominoplasty results. While the body is healing, it requires protein-rich foods. Protein is essential to the recovery process, protein builds and repairs muscles, tissues, muscles, and skin, all of which are damaged during surgery. Some high protein foods include: lean meats like fish and poultry, beans, tofu, nuts, seeds and yogurt.

Vitamins

Vitamins are vital during abdominoplasty recovery, they help reduce inflammation, fight infection and promote cell regeneration. Vitamins A and C are particularly important during recovery, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it helps the body avoid/fight infection and Vitamin A promotes collagen production, which aids healing. Vitamin A is found in dairy, and cod liver oil, while citrus fruits, green vegetables such as brussels sprouts and broccoli. Berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, tomato juice, red and green peppers are high in Vitamin C.

Hydration

After abdominoplasty surgery, it’s important to stay hydrated. Dehydration can derail recovery and increase the risk of complications. If the body is dehydrated, essential nutrients will not be able to be transmitted to the surgical site. Sugary beverages or drinks that are caffeinated should be avoided, as these can cause dehydration and inflammation. Dehydration, as well as low-fibre diet can cause constipation, this, in turn, leads to abdominal pain. Foods that are high fibre help to minimise the risk of constipation, which can be an after effect of some pain medication. The following high-fibre foods can help reduce the risk of constipation; whole grains such as cereals, bulgur wheat, barley and brown or wild rice.

What to avoid after abdominoplasty surgery

Salty foods should be avoided: Salty foods can cause bloating, inflammation and high blood pressure, which can make recovery uncomfortable. Alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided initially after surgery: Alcohol consumption and cigarettes thin the blood, making it harder for the body to heal. Alcohol may also react negatively with antibiotics and pain medication.