The “Cosmetic Surgery Diet”: What to Eat Before & After Plastic Surgery (With Meal Plans!)
My patients often ask me for recommendations on how to achieve the quickest recovery and best outcome after surgery. The optimal post-operative course and outcome depend on 1) minimizing bruising/bleeding during and after surgery and 2) optimizing your health and nutrition to allow normal wound healing. This can be applied to almost every type of surgery from a facelift to a tummy tuck!
Below, I share exactly what to eat—and what to avoid—leading up to and following your cosmetic procedure so you enjoy outstanding results as quickly as possible.
Two Weeks Before Surgery: Start Preparing Your Body
Before your surgery, avoid foods and supplements that increase bleeding risk—this is just as important as consuming nutrients that support healing. The goal is to reduce inflammation, promote blood clotting, and support optimal hydration.
Pre-surgery Do’s
Take healing-supportive vitamins starting two weeks before your procedure:
Vitamin B-complex (once daily)
Vitamin C (500 mg twice daily)
Vitamin D3 (once daily)
Pre-surgery Don’t’s
Do not take blood-thinning medications and supplements. Medications that increase the chance of bleeding may cause excessive bleeding during and after surgery, which can lead to unwanted bruising. Avoid these substances for at least two weeks before surgery:
Aspirin, ibuprofen, Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, Eliquis, Xarelto
Vitamin E, fish oil, and some multi-vitamins
Alcohol (increases the chance of bleeding, dehydration, poor wound healing, and anesthesia risks)
Note: Always check with your doctor before stopping prescribed medications.
One Week Before Surgery: Focus on Nutrition
It’s very important to be mindful about what you are eating—poor nutrition will make it harder to recover and potentially impact your Richmond plastic surgery results.
Pre-surgery Do’s
Eat lots of fruits and veggies, lean proteins (with every meal!), and healthy fats for a week (or longer) before your surgery:
Leafy greens - Spinach, kale, and cabbage (rich in vitamin K to support healthy blood clotting & minimize bruising)
Fruits - bananas, pears, Golden Delicious apples (peeled), Red Delicious apples (peeled), papaya, fresh figs, mango, rhubarb, pineapple
Vegetables - cabbage, celery, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, green beans, shallots, asparagus, onions, spinach, mushroom, kale, Chinese vegetables (steamed, stir-fried, cooked under low heat, and raw are the best ways to eat vegetables)
Seeds and nuts - poppy seed, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, and almonds (raw nuts are better than seasoned ones)
Meats/protein - turkey (skinless), free-range chicken (skinless, white meat), eggs (organic or free-range), low mercury fish (unprocessed meat is best)
Dairy - plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, mild cheese
Pre-surgery Don’t’s
Taking care to avoid these foods and beverages for at least a week before surgery will make for a speedy recovery:
White carbohydrates - bread, bagels, rice, potatoes, pasta, cookies, crackers, sweets
Sugary drinks - alcohol, soda, juices, sweetened coffee
Some fruits - blueberries, blackberries, cherries, cranberries, raisins, grapes, plums, oranges, grapefruit
Some veggies - tomatoes, tomato products (canned and puree), eggplant, peppers, zucchini, cucumber
Certain spices - thyme, rosemary, curry, paprika
The fruits and vegetables mentioned above contain a natural chemical called salicylates, which can increase bruising and delay healing.
One Day Before Surgery: Hydration Is Key
Drink at least 64oz of water the day before surgery. Staying hydrated before (and after) surgery can help reduce anesthesia-related nausea.
On the day of surgery, you won’t be able to eat or drink anything—this is a standard safety measure to prevent complications with anesthesia. Dr. Aboutanos will provide clear instructions on when to stop eating and drinking based on your scheduled surgery time.
The Best Post-Surgery Diet: How to Heal Faster
After your procedure, your body needs to stay hydrated and receive extra nutrients to rebuild tissue and fight inflammation. Even if you’re eager to return to your regular routine, this is NOT the time to cut calories—your body needs fuel to heal efficiently. This is especially important for patients who are diabetic and patients who have dietary restrictions, such as vegans, where protein intake may be compromised.
Sample Meal Plans for Your Cosmetic Surgery Diet
These meal plans are designed to be nutrient-dense, easy to digest, and packed with healing-supportive vitamins and proteins:
Breakfast
Option 1:
Two hard-boiled eggs
Turkey sausage
Fresh pineapple, pears, or ½ banana
1 cup of black coffee or tea
Option 2:
2-3 egg omelet with spinach, onions, and light cheese
Fresh pineapple, papaya, or peeled Red Delicious apple
1 cup of black coffee or tea
Option 3:
Greek yogurt with gluten-free granola
Fresh pineapple, pears, and ½ banana
1 cup of black coffee or tea
Lunch
Option 1:
A large salad with several vegetables*
Grilled chicken
Small peeled apple or fresh pineapple
Large glass of water or unsweetened tea
Option 2:
Chicken salad in a lettuce wrap
1 cup of non-cream-based vegetable soup*
Small peeled apple or fresh pineapple
Large glass of water or unsweetened tea
Dinner
Option 1:
Baked chicken, turkey, or fish
Steamed vegetables*
½ cup of frozen yogurt, mango sorbet, or vanilla ice cream
Large glass of water or unsweetened tea
Option 2:
Large salad with several vegetables
1 bowl of non-cream-based chicken or vegetable soup
½ cup of frozen yogurt, mango sorbet, or vanilla ice cream
Large glass of water or unsweetened tea
*Remember to omit the veggies listed in foods to avoid
Snacks
Celery or peeled apple with peanut butter
Handful of almonds, cashews, or pecans
Hummus with carrots and celery
Meal Prepping Before Surgery
Preparing your meals in advance can make following your plastic surgery recovery meal plan much easier! Many of these meal and snack options—like hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, vegetable soup, and hummus with veggies—can be prepped in bulk and stored for quick, easy access. Having nutrient-rich, ready-to-eat meals on hand means less stress and less effort, and more time to focus on healing after surgery.
For personalized recommendations and expert surgical care, schedule a consultation with board-certified Richmond plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos by calling 804-355-3410 or contact her online.