Should you not eat certain foods after breast augmentation?

Question

I got my BA in Brazil every surgeon here says to not eat seafood or pork for a couple weeks after your surgery is there a reason for this? iv tried to research on foods not to eat after BA and nothing has come up and says you can eat what you want is this true or should I listen to my surgeon ? Also if you agree on not eating them foods what is the reasoning for it ?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Like the rest of my colleagues have already said, there is generally no food restriction after your surgery. However, you want to eat healthy, and make sure you do not do things that increase your chances for infection. It is best to ask your surgeon for their exact reasons on why you should avoid seafood and pork, but the following is my guess.IF you are currently recovering in Brazil, then you will know of the numerous reports of contaminated seafood and pork during the Olympics, etc. I could only find one study that looked into this issue ("Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in raw meats and prepared foods in public hospitals in salvador, Bahia, Brazil - Costa et al. 2015"). The study looked into the presence of MRSA (a bacteria) in raw and prepared foods in public hospitals in an area in northeastern Brazil, and they found that MRSA was positive in 37.5% of the raw pork samples, and in 30 % of the raw fish samples. When prepared, MRSA was positive in 6.7% pork products, and in 22.2% of fish products.This study was specifically looking into effectiveness of hygienic practices within hospital kitchens, but the point was that bacterial contamination was more common among pork and fish products, compared to beef and chicken products. It may be likely that your surgeon wants to prevent an infection from occurring in the first few weeks in your recovery. I cannot think of any other reason to put diet restrictions. Hope this helps.

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In short, no, there are no real restrictions dietary wise after breast augmentation surgery.  I tell my patients to avoid dental procedures, including teeth cleaning, for 6 weeks after surgery to reduce the theoretical risk of an implant infection, but no diet restrictions.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!  I don't have my patients on any special diet after breast augmentation.  In the very early recovery, I prefer patients eat light, easily digestible foods because anesthesia and narcotics can cause constipation and nausea.  That's it though.  Good luck!

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for question. There are no dietary restrictions after a beast augmentation. I am not sure why your surgeon told you to avoid seafood and pork. A well balanced diet is all I recommend for my patients.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Probably best to ask your operating surgeon why he or she recommends avoiding certain foods. Best to always follow your operating surgeons post op recs. Good luck!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Moneer Jaibaji, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Remember, it is best to be seen in person by a double-board-certified plastic surgeon for precise diagnosis and treatment.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Hello I am not sure why those two food groups would be singled out so you are best off asking your Brazilian surgeon directly.  We don't have a diet restriction after breast augmentation for our patients. Best wishes.

Joseph Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question. It is always adviseable to follow your operating surgeon's instructions and to discuss any concerns regarding your postoperative care/instructions with him or her. I encourage my surgical patients to maintain a high protein low salt diet, regardless of their operation. High protein so your body has the necessary building blocks to repair the surgical wounds created and low salt to help minimize postoperative edema (swelling).

Good luck.

Bryan Correa, MD · Answer

It is always best to follow your specific surgeons recommendations. Pork and seafood tend to have a high salt content which can increase swelling. Hope this helps.

Should you not eat certain foods after breast augmentation?

Answers (12)