What Supplements to Take and Which to Avoid When You're Having a Face Lift
If you are planning on having a face lift, then you are probably searching to find what supplements you can take to speed up your recovery. There are different vitamins, herbs, and supplements on the shelves at your local vitamin store, but not all of them are appropriate for pre or post surgery. In fact, you should actually avoid taking some of them because they can cause complications during the surgery. Below are some supplements and nutrients that can help, as well as some that you should avoid.
Load up on Vitamin C Post-Surgery
One of the most important vitamins to take when you are recovering from plastic surgery is vitamin C. This vitamin is essential to the production of collagen. One way to increase your body's collagen production is to take big doses of vitamin C. Studies have found that people who were given up to 3,000 mg of vitamin C had vastly improved collagen production. The vitamin is used in all sorts of wound healing, including burns and post-surgery.
Protein Shakes Should Be Part of Your Diet
It's important to have lots of protein both before and after your face lift. Protein is vital for tissue recovery. In particular, there are specific amino acids, like glutamine, that you need to have. If you find that you are not able to eat enough eggs, milk, beef, chicken, or fish, then you should add protein shakes to your diet. These are a quick and easy way to get loads of protein. A protein shake is not going to be heavy like a chicken or steak dinner, but it will give you all the protein you need. Many people are nervous when they are gearing up for surgery and lose their appetite, so getting enogh protein can be hard. That's why a protein shake is such an easy fix.
Avoid Certain Herbs
Taking certain herbs can complicate surgery. There are many herbs that act as blood thinners, or can exacerbate the effect of anesthesia. You should not take any herbs without speaking with your doctor. If you are already taking some herbs for unrelated issues (St.Johns Wort for depression, garlic for blood pressure, or ginkgo for improved memory), then you should discuss with your doctor whether not you need to discontinue these herbs before the surgery. These particular herbs are listed by the Mayo Clinic as ones that can cause problems.
For more tips on how you can prepare for your plastic surgery, talk to a doctor at Waccamaw Dermatology & Plastic Surgery LLC.