Post-abdominoplasty, recovery should be your top priority. The way you care for your body during this time will impact your ultimate results, meaning it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions, get rest, refrain from lifting heavy weights or exercising, take off from work, and eat a balanced diet. In addition to understanding the best foods to eat after surgery, patients typically ask if they should add any supplements or vitamins into their recovery routine. While this is a great inquiry post-surgery, this is also a fantastic question to ask before undergoing the procedure.
For more information on tummy tuck recovery, check out our timeline.
Vitamins and supplements can be vital to everyday life, providing additional nutrients when your diet is lacking. Although many take these daily, there are some instances where patients should cease intake, typically prior to plastic surgery. Some herbs and vitamins such as diet pills, aspirin, vitamin E, chromium, fish oil, ginseng, or flaxseed can interfere with a tummy tuck. Even all-natural products may cause complications during or after surgery, such as bleeding. During your consultation, when the surgeon inquires about the medications you take, include those in the list you share. They’ll then advise what to stay away from in the four to six weeks before your surgery.
While you’re avoiding these supplements and vitamins, increase your intake of foods high in vitamin C and omega-3. These include cantaloupes, papayas, mangoes, citrus fruits, berries, eggs, walnuts, flaxseed, walnuts, fish, brussel sprouts, and soybeans. Such nutrients can help with healing, reduce oxidative stress parameters, and fight inflammation.
After your procedure, supplements and vitamins aren’t necessary as long as you’re eating a well-balanced diet. However, select nutrients can be helpful toward the healing process. Physicians weighing in on elective cosmetic treatment resource site RealSelf recommend taking a multivitamin, without additional vitamin E or vitamin C. Each of these can promote healing and reduce scarring.
A multivitamin typically contains vitamins A, C, B-complex, E, D, K, potassium, iodine, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and more. Vitamins A and C assist with wound healing, while B-complex can repair DNA, help your metabolism, support cell growth, and more. Vitamin D supports immunity and vitamin K promotes blood clotting—enabling incisions to heal. Potassium can counteract the effects of sodium, which should be avoided during recovery. Zinc boosts your immune system, helping prevent infection after surgery, while magnesium fights inflammation.
Grape seed extract is also a commonly recommended supplement. It possesses antioxidant properties more powerful than vitamin C, reducing inflammation. Omega-3, also an anti-inflammatory, is a vital nutrient for recovery. It can reduce blood pressure and support skin health.
Always consult with your physician about taking vitamins or supplements before or after plastic surgery. He or she can recommend a specific nutrient regimen for your pre- and post-tummy tuck care.
As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Dr. Anthony Buglino specializes in a holistic approach—considering the patient’s overall health when outlining a treatment plan. He will determine which vitamins and supplements should be added or removed from your diet, ensuring you have all the information necessary to maintain optimal results and enjoy a speedy recovery. For more information about supplements before or after abdominoplasty, schedule a free consultation.
