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I'm a vegetarian and I plan on getting a tummy tuck, will that effect my healing process and cause me to heal slower?

Doctor Answers 8

June 6th, 2017

Vegetarians and tummy tuck

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As long you are eating a diet that is rich in protein and vitamins ( Fruit and veg) you should have no problems with healing. If you adhere to more exclusive diets then you may have nutrient deficienies that may slow your healing.

Learn more: http://www.tavmd.com/plasticsurgeryphotos/mommy-surgery-tummy-tuck-breast/

Morad Tavallali, MD, FACS
May 31st, 2017

Vegetarian and healing from a tummy tuck

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This is a great question. Protein levels in your body are the building blocks for healing. As long as you are getting enough protein through other sources such as whey, soy, nuts, etc. you should not have any greater chance of wound healing problems compared to someone who eats meat. 

Tyler Angelos, MD
May 29th, 2017

Just get enough protein

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As long as you’re healthy and get enough protein in your diet, then you shouldn’t experience any delay in healing. Some great sources include beans, quinoa, nuts, hemp and sprouted grains (but you probably already knew that!).  

Learn more: https://www.myplasticsurgeon.ca/cosmetic-procedures/surgery/abdominoplasty/

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC

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May 27th, 2017

Healing after Abdominoplasty

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Thank you for your question. Being vegetarian should not affect your healing. As long as you continue to eat a balanced diet with protein, you should be able to recover and heal fully. Good luck to you. 


Sharline Z. Aboutanos, MD
May 27th, 2017

Vegetarian and tummy tuck

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Being a vegetarian would not slow your recovery. It is important to have enough protein in your diet but this can be accomplished without eating meat products. Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS
May 27th, 2017

Vegetarianism and healing

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As long as you're healthy, having a vegetarian diet should have no effect on healing.  However it is very important to make sure you get plenty of protein before and after surgery, as your body's protein stores need to be fully optimized to heal efficiently.  Protein shake supplements work well for this purpose.

In order to get a qualified, ethical, and expert opinion on your surgical options and expectations, always schedule an in-person office consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

I'm happy to see you for a free consultation in my New York office.

Best of luck,

Keith M. Blechman, MD

New York, NY

Learn more: http://www.blechmanplasticsurgery.com/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty-plastic-surgeon-upper-east-side

Keith M. Blechman, MD
May 27th, 2017

Healing in vegetarians

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Hello, a lot of my patients are vegetarians and even vegans, since I practice in India. They all do well , and so will you if you are otherwise fit for surgery . Best wishes!

Learn more: http://www.ambrosiaclinic.com/abdominoplasty-tummy-tuck/

Priti Shukla, Mch
May 27th, 2017

Tummy tuck and diet

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No, I do not think that being a vegetarian should affect your ability to heal.  As long as you get protein from other sources and have a balanced diet you should be fine.

Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/body-procedures/abdominoplasty/

Steven Wallach, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.