Scottsdale – A high protein diet can be very helpful for anyone undergoing plastic surgery. Proteins are the basic building blocks for all wounds. When you follow a high protein diet, you will have the best materials available in your system for smooth healing.

Protein in Breast Augmentation

We believe that even a simple procedure like breast augmentation can go a lot smoother when the cosmetic surgery patient is on a high protein, low carbohydrate, and low fat diet several weeks before and after breast surgery. While the incisions are small for the average breast implant patient, adding protein, vitamin C, and drinking plenty of water can make recovery a lot simpler.

Protein in Routine Plastic Surgery Operations

We recommend a month of high protein foods before and after procedures like breast lift, arm lift, tummy tuck and thigh lift. These plastic surgery operations are associated with longer incisions and require more supplementation for smoother healing. Adding vitamin C and B complex vitamins will also assist you in achieving better wound healing.

Protein in Plastic Surgery after Major Weight Loss

Procedures on patients after gastric bypass and major weight loss, like bodylift and belt lipectomy, should also supplement their month of high protein with protein shakes three times per day. Additionally, bariatric surgery patients require supplementation with all the fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E and K), vitamin C and B complex vitamins. We recommend a higher dose than normal of B complex vitamins for all bariatric surgery patients before their scheduled plastic surgery.

High Protein Foods in Plastic Surgery:

Beef

  • Hamburger, 4 oz – 28 grams protein
  • Steak, 6 oz – 42 grams protein
  • Most cuts of beef – 7 grams of protein per ounce

Chicken

  • Chicken breast, 3.5 oz – 30 grams protein
  • Chicken thigh – 10 grams protein
  • Drumstick – 11 grams protein
  • Chicken meat, 4 oz – 35 grams

Fish

  • Most fish fillets – 6 grams protein per ounce
  • Tuna, 6 oz can – 40 grams of protein

Pork

  • Pork chop – 22 grams protein
  • Pork loin, 4 oz – 29 grams protein
  • Ham, 3 oz – 19 grams protein
  • Ground pork, 3 oz cooked – 22 grams protein

Eggs and Dairy

  • Egg, large – 6 grams protein
  • Milk, 1 cup – 8 grams
  • Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie) – 6 grams protein per oz
  • Medium cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss) – 7 grams protein per oz
  • Hard cheeses (Parmesan) – 10 grams protein per oz

Beans

  • Tofu, ½ cup – 20 grams protein
  • Soy milk, 1 cup – 6 to 10 grams protein
  • Most beans (black, pinto) – 7 to 10 grams protein per ½ cup
  • Soy beans, ½ cup cooked – 14 grams protein
  • Split peas, ½ cup cooked – 8 grams protein

Nuts and Seeds

  • Peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons – 8 grams protein
  • Almonds, ¼ cup – 8 grams protein
  • Peanuts, ¼ cup – 9 grams protein
  • Cashews, ¼ cup – 5 grams protein
  • Sunflower seeds, ¼ cup – 6 grams
  • Flax seeds, ¼ cup – 8 grams

Another benefit derived from many of these foods is a high iron and fiber content (Source: About.com). If you are allergic to any of the foods above, please avoid these in the future. For more information about protein in your diet click here. Make sure that you look at the sodium content of all your food supplements. Canned foods, especially may have quite a lot of sodium, which might increase and prolong swelling after cosmetic surgery.