One of the most common questions patients ask before surgery is: How can I speed up my recovery? While the healing process varies from person to person and depends on the procedure performed, staying hydrated and choosing the right post-surgery drinks can significantly impact your recovery.
At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, we emphasize comprehensive aftercare to help patients heal efficiently and comfortably. In this blog, we’ll explore the best drinks to promote healing after plastic surgery and which ones to avoid to ensure a smooth, complication-free recovery.
Choosing the Right Drinks for Recovery
After surgery, your body requires essential nutrients and hydration to recover efficiently. The right beverages can support healing by minimizing swelling, enhancing circulation, and replenishing vital nutrients.
Water: The Ultimate Healing Elixir.
Hydration is essential for reducing inflammation, flushing out toxins, and promoting cellular repair after surgery. Dehydration can slow healing by reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells, leading to prolonged recovery times and increased risk of complications.
Drinking sufficient water daily helps:
- Reduce the risk of infection by keeping tissues hydrated and supporting immune function
- Minimize swelling by aiding circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Counteract the side effects of medications, such as dry mouth and constipation
For an extra boost, consider infusing your water with fresh fruit or herbs like lemon, cucumber, or mint for added flavor and antioxidants.
Bone Broth: A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse.
Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, which are vital for wound healing and tissue repair. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought bone broth without added preservatives or sodium.
Drinking warm bone broth post-surgery can help:
- Strengthen skin elasticity and accelerate scar healing.
- Provide easy-to-digest protein to aid in muscle recovery.
- Support gut health with natural gelatin, reducing post-surgical bloating.
Herbal Teas: Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory.
Not all teas are created equal—while caffeinated teas should be avoided, herbal teas can calm inflammation and support digestion. Some of the best options include:
- Ginger tea: A natural anti-inflammatory that reduces nausea.
- Turmeric tea: Packed with curcumin, which promotes wound healing.
- Chamomile tea: Helps with relaxation and reduces post-surgical anxiety.
- Peppermint tea: Aids digestion and relieves bloating.
Freshly Pressed Vegetable & Fruit Juices: A Vitamin Boost.
Natural, unsweetened juices provide essential vitamins and minerals that aid in post-surgical recovery. Some of the best options include:
- Carrot juice: High in vitamin A, which supports skin and tissue repair.
- Berry juice (blueberry, blackberry, cherry): Rich in antioxidants to combat inflammation.
- Spinach & kale juice: Packed with vitamins C and E, crucial for wound healing.
Protein Shakes: Essential for Recovery.
Protein is the building block of tissue repair, making it crucial after plastic surgery. If eating solid protein sources is difficult, a high-quality protein shake can be an excellent alternative. Look for:
- Collagen protein: Helps with skin healing and scar minimization.
- Whey or plant-based protein (pea, hemp, or brown rice): Supports muscle regeneration.
- Greek yogurt-based smoothies: Add probiotics for gut health and protein for recovery.
Blend your protein shake with unsweetened almond milk, avocado, and berries for a nutrient-dense, healing beverage.
Drinks to Avoid After Surgery
Just as some drinks can enhance your recovery, others can hinder it by causing dehydration, inflammation, or interfering with medications. Avoid the following:
- Caffeinated beverages (coffee, black tea, energy drinks): These can dehydrate the body and increase swelling.
- Alcohol: Slows healing, increases swelling, and can interact negatively with pain medications.
- Sugary sodas & artificial juices: Cause inflammation and hinder tissue repair.
- Dairy-heavy drinks: May contribute to mucus buildup and post-surgical bloating.
Optimizing Your Recovery with the Right Hydration
The experts at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery believe that post-surgical care goes beyond the operating room. By staying hydrated and choosing nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory drinks, you can support your body’s natural healing process and enjoy a smoother, faster recovery.
For more personalized recovery recommendations, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bryan Criswell or Dr. Kara Criswell today. As board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in aesthetic procedures, they are committed to ensuring optimal results and a seamless recovery journey. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results with expert surgical care and comprehensive post-operative guidance.
