Do you really need extra calories for breast lift scar healing?

Question

Are extra calories really essential for optimal wound healing (for a minor breast lift)? I.e., when is it safe to try to lose weight after surgery and not negatively affect wound healing? At the lower end of a healthy BMI but would like to lose 5-10 lbs. If I maintain a nutritionally appropriate diet for wound healing but reduce my calories, will I jeopardize wound integrity? (I understand that weight loss after breast surgery is not recommended for other reasons).

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

While I would not recommend trying to lose weight during your healing process, you don't necessarily need to add additional calories unless you have been calorie restricting before your procedure. If you are at a normal weight, you don't need to add calories, just make sure that you are eating a balanced diet. At most, many surgeons will recommend that you take a multi-vitamin and maybe some extra Vitamin C during your recovery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello.
Great question. The amount of calorie intake does not necessarily directly affect your wound healing. However, your nutrition does. Please discuss any post op instructions for your surgeon. Every surgeon has their own post op protocol.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The body’s ability to heal after surgery is extremely high regardless of your diet as long as it is somewhat reasonable.   obviously people with severe malnutrition or vitamin deficits might heal poorly but these are way outside the realm of what the situation is with the typical plastic surgery patient.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear KWxx,
A well-balanced dies is very important for wound healing. You should take enough proteins in order for wound to heal. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You do not need any extra calories for healing a breast lift scar. If you eat a well rounded diet with enough protein then you should not need to make any modifications to it for healing. Wait 4-6 weeks after surgery before starting any type of diet to ensure that your body has had enough time to heal the scars solidly. Hope that helps!

Do you really need extra calories for breast lift scar healing?

Answers (8)

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Do you really need extra calories for breast lift scar healing?

Answer: Do you really need extra calories for breast lift scar healing?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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Do you really need extra calories for breast lift scar healing?

Answers (8)

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Do you really need extra calories for breast lift scar healing?

Answer: Do you really need extra calories for breast lift scar healing?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.