Tuesday 31 July 2018

A nutrition guide for patients who have undergone facial surgery

For patients who have undergone facial surgery, nutrition is an extremely significant aspect of the recovery process. To minimize health issues and quicken the recovery period, it is highly recommended that patients stick to the types of food that they can intake. 

Image source: entuk.org

Let’s start with fiber. What many patients who have had facial surgery don’t say out loud is the constipated feeling they feel after the procedure. Fibrous food can help facilitate bowel movement. Even during the recovery process, patients may have some digestive issues due to the prescribed meds. Fruits and vegetables can ease the digestive system during this time. 

Protein-rich food, on the other hand, has a very different role to play from its fibrous counterpart. During the recovery process, protein acts as a healing agent for the muscle and skin. Food like chicken, lean meat, eggs, and fish can all shorten the recovery time. Avoid fried food though, since it makes the skin itch. 

Of course, to fully recover, and recover the right way, patients should not skimp on vitamins and minerals. There are several vitamins patients can and should take. With regards to minerals, patients should look for those with selenium, zinc, and calcium. 

Image source: nuts.com

Tup Ingram, M.D., is a reconstructive and plastic surgeon based in Nashville, Tennessee. He has worked with various nonprofit organizations such as Operation Smile, Habitat for Humanity, and Doctors Without Borders. For similar articles, click here.

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