The Brazilian Association of Plastic Surgery demonstrates that there was a considerable number of plastic surgeries, both aesthetic and restorative in recent years. The amount of interventions places the country as the second market in plastic surgery in the world, second only to the US.
However, the efficiency of plastic surgery does not depend only on the planning of the surgical act. The concern with the Care in the postoperative period is important to prevent complications and promote a more satisfactory aesthetic result.
Recovery Phases: How does nutrition work?
Healing is a dynamic and immediate process of tissue repair in response to an injury with the aim of restoring anatomical, structural and functional characteristics.
This recovery consists of three phases, which happen simultaneously. The The inflammatory phase, which is dependent on vitamin K, lasts from four to six days and consists of hemostasis, phagocytosis and cell migration.
From the third day to weeks later, the proliferative phase, granulation or fibroplasia occurs, and in this the requirements of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins A, C and B complex, iron, zinc and magnesium, which increase to promote cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and neovascularization.
Finally, the maturation or remodeling phase can extend up to 2 years by providing stabilization to collagen and increased scar resistance.
Role of Functional Nutrition
Since there is an increase in nutritional needs in hypermetabolism and organic disorders, most of the time the nutrient requirements are not satisfied with the traditional diet, and supplements and / or fortified foods become necessary.
Nutritional supplementation in the postoperative period can have a significant impact on the surgical outcome, reducing hematomas, edema and inflammation, promoting proper healing of the incision, as well as increasing immunity and decreasing oxidative stress. Thus, by addressing the nutritional status and providing guidance focused on supplementation, the surgeon or nutritionist can positively influence the prevention of postoperative complications.
However, supplementation should be specific to nutritional deficiency, with food intake being the main source, preventing the amount administered from exceeding pharmacological values and generating side effects.
In this context, supplements that cause prolonged bleeding, drug or anesthetic interaction, and cardiovascular disorders should be discontinued two weeks before and one week after the surgical procedure.
Nutritional Recommendations
- Drink plenty of water, including coconut water;
- Fruits rich in vitamin C;
- Add protein to meals, rich in B vitamin, selenium and vitamin A;
- Yogurt and probiotics;
- Iron and omega 3;
- Red fruits;
Bibliographic references
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Nutrition and plastic surgery
Article: Rocha CL, Paula VB. Functional nutrition in the postoperative period of plastic surgery: focus on the prevention of seroma and fibrosis. Rev. Bras. Cir. Pest.2014;29(4):609-624
