Knowing what to eat and what not to eat after nose surgery can boost your recovery. Good nutrition and hydration are crucial for your post-operative healing. Even though you might not have much of an appetite, you need a good supply of vitamins and nutrients and a meal plan that supports lowering inflammation. In this article, we will discuss what to eat after nose surgery to help you prepare for a speedy recovery.
Recovering From A Nose Job
Following the right aftercare program is critical for a favourable outcome after nose surgery. Because your nose job will be performed under anaesthesia, you will need to abstain from eating and drinking for at least an hour afterwards.
Stock your home up with groceries before you are admitted for your nose job. Where possible, have a meal plan ready, or even prepare some meals to refrigerate or freeze so you make nutritious choices. If it is possible, ask a friend or family member to assist with shopping, so you are always well-stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables.
What To Eat After Nose Surgery: The First 24 Hours
To avoid any complications and nausea after the anaesthesia, it’s advisable to stick to bland foods that are rich in proteins and carbohydrates for the first 24 hours. You should avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can worsen inflammation. Drink plenty of fresh water.
Because your mouth is likely to be sensitive after a nose job, blended foods and smoothies will be easier to eat on the day of your nose surgery.
What To Eat After Nose Surgery: The First Week After A Nose Job
Generally, soft foods that make it easy to chew are recommended during the first week. Mashed and baked potatoes, eggs, yoghurt, vegetable soup, and oatmeal all require minimal chewing and are nutritious additions to your diet.
Nutrition Tips For After A Nose Job: Two Weeks Into Recovery
Make sure you follow all of your plastic surgeon’s post-operative recovery tips, especially those for nutrition. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure you address them before your surgery so you can prepare your home ahead of time.
Keep Your Meals High Fibre
Anaesthesia and being sedentary during recovery can cause constipation, so try to include fibre-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet. Remember to drink plenty of water to minimise constipation.
Consider Foods That Accelerate Healing
Nose surgery leaves wounds that need to heal, and boosting your diet with the right micro and macronutrients can ensure you reach your recovery milestones. Make sure you include enough protein, such as eggs, fish, and lean meats. Dark leafy greens (like spinach ad kale) and foods rich in vitamin A (like carrots) also play a role in healing, plus they are excellent sources of fibre. Vitamin C can boost healing, too, so try to include citrus, strawberries, or tomatoes in your meal planning.
Tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya are recommended because they contain an enzyme that can reduce inflammation after a nose job.
Include Anti-Inflammatory Foods After Nose Surgery
It can take up to a year for all the swelling to subside after a nose job, so consider including fatty fish, raw olive oil, and avocadoes in your daily meals. Blueberries, broccoli, and green tea also have anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial during your recovery.
Soothing, Calming Ingredients To Help You Relax
Nuts, dark chocolate, green tea, and chamomile tea can help you relax after your rhinoplasty. Herbal teas are also an excellent source of hydration and a welcome alternative to water.
What Not To Eat After Nose Surgery?
Keeping your home well-stocked with healthy, wholesome food choices can ensure you avoid some of these foods that may trigger adverse reactions.
Processed Food
Processed foods tend to be high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats, and should be avoided.
Caffeine And Alcohol
Coffee, caffeinated products, and alcohol all contribute to inflammation and should be avoided after surgery. Alcohol can interact with any medication you are taking, causing unwanted complications.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can trigger nasal swelling, bleeding, and congestion. They can also lead to digestive complications after nose surgery.
Hard, Crunchy Foods
Crunchy foods are difficult to eat and can cause pain and discomfort when you chew. You should try to stick to soft foods for the first two weeks after your nose job.
Salt
Sodium encourages swelling and should be avoided for as long as possible after nose surgery.
Smoking
Although it is not food-related, smoking can cause damage to your nose and throat, as well as the new skin that is developing over your nose. If you are a smoker and have concerns about your ability to abstain during recovery, speak to your doctor for help.
If you have concerns about the list of foods to avoid, why not try the new meal plan before your surgery. Eating a nutrient-dense diet can help you to get into good habits, making you healthier before the rhinoplasty procedure, which can also assist you during recovery.
For a personal approach to ‘what to eat after nose surgery’ or for any questions about post-operative recovery, please contact us for a confidential appointmen: (02) 9158 6375.
References
Rhinoplasty
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532
What are the steps of a rhinoplasty procedure?
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty/procedure
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