Breast augmentation, often referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enlarge the breasts. The surgical process involves the placement of implants beneath chest muscles or breast tissue.
According to data gathered, 8.08 out of every 1,000 American women reported having had a breast implant at some point. The majority of the procedures—about 60%—had been performed for aesthetic purposes. Among other cities, Los Angeles has been regarded as the center of plastic surgery though Houston and Dallas are also on the list. Based on reports from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there exists a minimum of one cosmetic surgeon for every 36,000 people living in Los Angeles County.
If you feel your breast size is too small or they are not contoured and need to be augmented, a breast augmentation procedure might be the solution. However, you might have various queries if you go for the procedure. Scheduling an appointment for a consultation with a plastic surgeon might be helpful. Discuss your preferences or anything you want to know with your plastic surgeon.
Don’t know where to start? Begin researching reputable surgeons around your area for breast augmentation. You can start by searching for the best centers for breast augmentation in Los Angeles and reach out to the one that suits your requirements and budget.
Since breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, your body will require time and care to heal following surgery. Consuming healthy food is one of the essential parts as it will speed up your body’s metabolism and hence recovery. A nourishing, healthy diet containing appropriate amounts of all nutrients and minerals will help your body to restore its functions quickly. Here is a list of some dietary changes to follow after breast augmentation surgery.
1- Consume Foods Rich in Antioxidants
Your body needs antioxidants to decrease oxidation levels since it is vulnerable to releasing free radicals following a breast augmentation. Foods with high antioxidant levels will help your body eliminate free radicals, which can harm cells and spread throughout the body, leading to serious health issues.
There are various choices for foods rich in antioxidants, including small red beans, pinto beans, prunes, pecans, black plums, black beans, dark leafy greens, red kidney beans, cranberries, and artichokes. Ensure your diet contains these antioxidant foods to help boost your recovery post-surgery.
2- Consider Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Vitamin C supports the connective tissue in your muscle, skin, and blood vessels. It strengthens collagen formation and promotes wound healing. Vitamin C can also aid in curing the incisions made during cosmetic surgery.
Many foods are excellent sources of vitamin C, including grapefruit, oranges, kiwis, lemons, and Brussels sprouts. Make sure to incorporate this vitamin into your regular diet after breast augmentation surgery to get sufficient amounts to boost healing.
3- Hydration is crucial
Water helps maintain body temperature, flushes waste products, and promotes cell growth. It also helps in thinning the blood and transporting oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. Sufficient water or fluid intake is crucial after surgery to allow cell-repairing nutrients to travel to the recovery site.
Ensure you regularly consume eight glasses of fluids, either water or fresh juices, for adequate hydration during your recovery period.
4- Minimize Salt Intake
Sodium raises the risk of swelling after a surgical operation, which, in turn, leads to increased healing time. Limit sodium intake to 1500mg daily for two days before the augmentation procedure and two weeks after to help maintain a healthy recovery process.
5- Incorporate a Protein-Rich Diet
After an injury or surgery, your body requires significant proteins to cure the wounds. Proteins are essential for collagen synthesis and antibody formation to restore damaged body tissues and fight against potential infections. They also aid in the production of blood cells, which are essential for wound healing.
Consuming protein-rich diets after breast augmentation surgery is essential to deal with the higher requirement of amino acids during recovery.
6- Add Seafood
Seafood is not only delicious but is also a prime source of minerals and micronutrients. Nutrients such as iodine, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium are vital for wound healing.
Providing your body with these micronutrients will improve your recovery. They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and are crucial for our cells to maintain the body’s structures. In addition, these nutrients help lessen inflammation and improve healing while preventing problems.
Seafood, including fish, prawns, and shrimps, is readily available and generally healthy, so be sure to include it in your diet after breast augmentation.
7- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Are a Must
Fresh vegetables and fruits are tremendous sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that promote healing after a surgical procedure. Most importantly, they have minimal calories and do not make you gain weight.
Tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, citrus fruits, kale, bell peppers, cabbage, berries, pineapple, pumpkins, guava, and papaya are some of the fruits and vegetables you can incorporate into your post-surgery diet.
8- Add Foods High in Collagen
Collagen is known to have various benefits when added to a diet after surgery. It is vital for wound healing as it helps reconstruct damaged body tissue and alleviate inflammation. It also helps reduce swelling and pain and improve skin elasticity. Incorporating collagen-rich foods into your diet can be beneficial in boosting your recovery while making sure you have all the essential building blocks required for proper tissue regeneration.
Foods such as legumes, chicken, citrus fruits, leafy greens, peppers, and bone broth are excellent sources of collagen. Add these to your diet if you are searching for a natural way to improve your healing process following breast augmentation surgery.
9- Avoid Certain Foods
There are certain foods you may need to stop consuming once you have undergone your cosmetic surgery.
Limit processed foods that lack fiber, such as sugary beverages, chocolates, candies, fast food, oily foods, and processed meats.
Alcohol is another item that should not be consumed after surgery as it can cause dehydration, which is not recommended during post-surgery recovery because your body needs enough amount of fluids to foster healing.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that helps enhance your breast shape and size. Anything you consume will affect it. After undergoing a surgical treatment like breast augmentation, it is crucial to strive towards establishing a healthy, balanced diet. Ensure incorporating all essential minerals and nutrients in your diet to help your body cope with the surgery stress and its effects, keeping it in an optimum state.
Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.