Should I adjust my collagen intake before a facelift? How does this affect my healing and recovery process?

Question

I'm having a facelift in four weeks. Would it be beneficial to bump my collagen intake up to 20 or 30 grams a day? Would it help with healing or recovery? I am 60 years old. Thank you.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has their own postoperative regimen in regards to diet and supplements to optimize healing afterwards.  There have been studies showing the benefit of collagen supplementation in wound healing.  It is unclear whether it is actually the collagen helping or if it is related to having adequate protein intake for healing.  I would recommend talking with your surgeon about how to manage your collagen and protein intake after surgery.

Bryan Brandon, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. Collagen is simply a protein that when ingested is broken down into the individual amino acid building blocks used by your body to make new proteins, so it is unlikely that much collagen actually makes it into your bloodstream. However, a high protein diet (of any source) is a great idea to prep for surgery. Another great supplement is Vitamin C as this vitamin is essential for your body to form collagen while healing.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You should follow the advice of your surgeon regarding preparation for your upcoming surgery.  However I can assure that dietary supplements of collagen will have no affect on your  healing.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Providing that you are in good health and that you do not have any issues with wound healing, I do not see the reason to "bump your collagen intake". It is best to discuss this issue with your surgeon few weeks ahead of surgery. Good luck.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Colemina,
Any Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will discuss the importance of optimal health and with it proper nutrition prior to a elective cosmetic procedure such as facelift. There is no direct research that consumption of a collagen supplement will benefit the skin or healing. Should there be a vitamin or mineral deficiency or improper balance of food for optimal healing, then I recommend repleting what is missing, otherwise the body has to breakdown other tissues to provide those factors required to heal the facelift. I believe and recommend to my patients to supplement a general vitamin and minerals during the 3 months before and after surgery. You must provide the proper proteins and calories required to overcome the stress of surgery as well. Please discuss your concerns with your Surgeon. All the best!

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Boosting your collagen intake or taking other supplements before surgery will not help with healing or recovery.
The things that you can do before surgery to feel better after surgery include getting adequate rest, and eating a healthy well-balanced diet.  If you exercise, keep up with your exercise until the day before surgery. 
To promote healing and recovery, avoid smoking and alcohol and follow the care advice of your surgeon's office.
All the best to you with your upcoming surgery.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Good Afternoon! Great question. If you feel like the collagen supplements help, then you may be able to continue them. I'm unaware if increasing the dosage will do anything significant. In general, preparing your diet with lean proteins, leafy green vegetables, and low salt will prove to be helpful. For bruising, you may consider Arnica before and after. Avoiding hot environments as well will reduce swelling. Hope this is useful!

Should I adjust my collagen intake before a facelift? How does this affect my healing and recovery process?

Answers (7)

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