Follow your surgeon’s direction in regard to treating the wound area with care, changing any dressings as recommended.
Sleep is important. Lack of sleep can lead to higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines delaying healing time. Aim to boost your immune response with adequate restorative rest.
Prioritize Protein. Protein is key in building, maintaining and repairing body tissues and vital to rapid wound healing. Protein also helps our immune system function optimally, which helps protect wounds from infection. Infection can delay healing. Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, peas, lentils, nuts / seeds, nut butters and dairy as in eggs, cheese, yogurt.
Diet can make a difference. Fuel your body with healthy foods to speed wound healing. Fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and protein assist in the reduction of inflammation while improving wound function, which promotes healing. Some examples: berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, salmon, nuts and seeds. Vitamin C plays a key role in the formation of Collagen. Examples of foods to consume include citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, kiwi, kale, broccoli, red and green peppers and tomatoes. Healthy carbohydrates will supply the energy the body needs to heal. Choose whole grains, brown rice, beans, fruits with skin and berries. Limit refined sugars which cause inflammation and avoid alcohol and smoking.
If you’re not hungry and struggling with consuming full meals, try some of the following protein snacks. Cheese and crackers, hummus and veggies, chicken salad on whole grain bread or crackers, edamame, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, hard boiled eggs, nuts / seeds, peanut butter and sliced apples, trail mix, granola bars or no bake energy bites.
Hydration is also important for healing in recovery. Drinking at least 64 ounces (8 cups) of water daily lessens the chance of complication from a blood clot, but it also helps your body get rid of toxins from the anesthesia. Drink plenty of water and add liquids such as milk or fortified soy beverages, 100% fruit or vegetable juices. Soups, coffee, teas. Avoid added sugar. Drinking water post surgery can be beneficial in all aspects of recovery.
A product called ACTIVE Hydrogel containing hypochlorous (HOCL), a compound made naturally by your body to promote healing, can be applied to your incision at any point during recovery – it’s a germ fighter as well as a healing and moisturizing agent. We advise you consult with your surgeon before using it.