If you’re getting ready for an upcoming procedure, proactively managing surgical recovery by following certain best practices before and after surgery can help to dramatically improve your recovery time. 

Whether you’re planning on having a small, elective procedure, or something more comprehensive, taking the right steps to prepare for your upcoming surgery now can help to ensure not only less post-op downtime, but better outcomes overall. 

These 14 dietary and lifestyle tips can help to empower your wellness journey and support quicker recovery after surgical procedures, so you can get back to doing what you love. 

If you are planning an elective surgery, try to schedule it during a period of relatively good health. This will give your immune system the best chance toward a speedy recovery. Many patients find choosing a time of year when they are able to use paid time off for their procedure and recovery to be ideal.

Research has shown that proper pre and post-op nutrition is key to achieving better surgical outcomes. Obtaining sufficient nutrients can be especially important for recovery after more comprehensive procedures, like a facelift, tummy tuck, or liposuction. 

Before and after surgery, be sure to supplement your diet with high levels of essential vitamins like A & C, and essential minerals such as zinc, copper, and selenium. Each plays critical roles in wound healing and building the immune system to help prevent infection.

Incorporating a surgical-support program like Clinical Support Formula, a multivitamin formula tailored to provide the targeted nutrients required for effective surgical recovery, can help deliver the crucial vitamins and minerals your body needs for a more rapid recovery. 

Two critical dietary healing elements are calories and protein. Extra protein is needed during recovery to build new tissue and blood vessels, repair injured tissue, and step production of wound-repairing cells. Choose high quality protein sources like fish, poultry, beans, or lean cuts of meat.

Normal protein requirements are about 0.36 grams per pound of bodyweight, but this should be increased by 1.5 times following surgery. For example, a 140 lb woman needs about 50 grams of protein per day. However, after surgery, she would need to increase her intake to approximately 95 grams of protein per day.

Try adding high-protein snacks like nuts, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and eggs into your diet, and if you’re still not able to eat the required amount of protein, consider supplementing with a high-quality protein powder. Some studies suggest that adding a quality hydrolyzed collagen supplement rich in amino acids, the building blocks of protein, may also help to support the healing of wounds. 

Some nutritional supplements may cause adverse reactions during or after surgery, including prolonged bleeding, interference with anesthesia, and interactions with prescription drugs. These supplements, including dong quai, echinacea, fish oil, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, and others, should be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks post surgery. 

Homeopathic Arnica montana has been used for centuries to treat bruising, swelling, and pain from soft tissue injury. Whether taken orally in the form of arnica sublingual tablets, or applied topically as a nourishing cream or soothing gel, arnica is ideal following facial surgical procedures like facelift and nose surgery or for use after fillers and injectables like Botox and Juvederm. 

Research has established arnica as an effective natural alternative pain medication in lieu of harsh chemical prescription painkillers and NSAIDs, making it an excellent therapeutic option following more comprehensive procedures as well. Homeopathic arnica tablets dissolve quickly under the tongue, and are ideal surgical recovery support for pain, bruising, and swelling, working to gently stimulate the body’s natural healing process. 

For support following facial fillers and injectables, the Arnica Montana 5-Day Blister Pack is ideal. Pair with nourishing Arnica +K Cream to help address pain, bruising, and swelling topically after facial procedures. More invasive procedures call for our Arnica Montana 30x Rapid-Dissolve Tablets for more advanced support. For aching muscles, sore joints, and body pain, gently apply our extra strength Arnica Montana Gel, formulated with 15 clinical-grade healing botanicals.   

Note: When selecting oral arnica products, it is important to choose those formulated homeopathic – not herbal – arnica, especially around the time of surgery. Herbal arnica is associated with increased bleeding risks, is not approved for treatment claims, and is regulated as a dietary supplement. Homeopathic arnica is regulated as a homeopathic drug, works to safely and naturally stimulate healing, and is approved for the treatment of bruising, pain, and swelling following soft tissue injury. VitaMedica products are formulated with homeopathic arnica only. To identify a homeopathic product, look for the following: Ingredients listed as Drug Facts (not Supplement Facts), the letters “HPUS,” and a listed potency such as 30x or 30c. 

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, has been shown in studies to help reduce the inflammation, swelling, and pain that often accompanies surgical procedure and soft tissue injury. It has been compared to NSAIDs for its effectiveness with supporting inflammation, but is reported to be more well tolerated. Bromelain has also demonstrated wound-healing and immune-supporting benefits.

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid found in cherries, berries, and apples, is a potent immune-boosting antioxidant which has shown impressive antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. It has also been observed to promote tissue repair and wound healing.   

Quercetin with bromelain, when taken together, are each known to enhance the effects of the other botanical compound. Adding Bromelain with Quercetin into your recovery regimen is an excellent way to support immunity and naturally promote healing. For both Clinical Support Formula and Bromelain with Quercetin benefits, opt for our Recovery Support Program, or Recovery Support Program + Arnica for added pain support.  

Proper hydration helps to promote proper healing by moving nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Water intake is especially important prior to procedures, as fluid intake is reduced the day of surgery. Aim to drink enough high-quality water each day (at least 11.5 cups for women and 15.5 for men), and especially the day before surgery to help cleanse and hydrate the body. You may need to drink more water if you are in a hot environment or physically active for long periods. To avoid potential complications, be sure not to drink anything after midnight on the night prior to your procedure, unless told otherwise by your surgeon.

Following surgery, many patients find that they experience constipation for several days. Dehydration, certain pain medications, and anesthetic agents used during surgery can all contribute to issues of digestive discomfort. Increasing your fiber intake a few days prior to and after surgery, with foods like high-fiber prunes, can help to prevent digestive irregularity. 

Because straining due to constipation while in surgical recovery can lead to additional concerns, consider supplementing with a natural laxative like SurgiLax, formulated specifically for post-op constipation.

Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that reside in the digestive tract, help to support the immune system’s defenses and enhance the absorption of the nutrients we need during recovery. 

Antibiotics are routinely prescribed following surgical procedures to ward off infection by killing bacteria. While antibiotics can be effective, because they kill off both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the GI tract, their use can usher in a host of digestive issues. Taking probiotics along with an antibiotic is the best way to avoid GI upset. 

Supplementing with a high-quality probiotic ideally suited for patients taking antibiotics can help to maintain balanced gut health and prevent GI issues. Daily Balance Probiotic-8 is a full-spectrum synbiotic, formulated with eight different strains of gut-friendly bacteria that promote a flourishing gut microbiome and healthy digestion.  

Aspirin is not recommended prior to surgery given that it acts as an anticoagulant (blood thinner) and can promote bleeding during surgery. Aspirin therapy, and any aspirin-containing products, should be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery.

Alcohol suppresses the immune system, which can slow healing and increase susceptibility to infection. It can also raise the risk of excessive bleeding by interfering with blood clotting, may interfere with anesthesia, and should be avoided around the time of surgery, including at least 72 hours before and after your procedure. 

Smoking can increase the risk of surgical complications. It causes less oxygen to be supplied to the body’s cells, inhibiting wound healing by slowing blood flow and reducing the amount of  oxygen and nutrients your body is able to deliver to the wound. Some surgeons will not perform procedures on patients who smoke, as the risks posed and impacts on healing and recovery are too great. Smoking should be avoided at least two weeks prior to and following surgery.  

Stress and anxiety trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with the body’s ability to manage inflammation and contribute to prolonged recovery times. Staying aware of your stress levels, and being intentional about maintaining a positive mental and emotional state, can help to support your body’s natural healing processes. The Mayo Clinic points to deep breathing exercises, meditation, listening to therapeutic music, positive visualization, and aromatherapy as effective relaxation techniques.

Seek support from those close to you. Research has shown that surgical patients with a strong social support network to help them on their recovery journey have reported lower pain scores, a reduced need for painkillers, a better mental state, and a greater sense of relaxation in the days post procedure. 

Check in with your family and friends in the time leading up to your surgery, let them support you through any stress you may be experiencing, and rely on the important people in your life for assistance with everything from preparing nutritious meals to helping you follow your recovery instructions, or even completing simple household chores until you are cleared to resume normal everyday activities.

By proactively preparing for surgery and properly supporting our bodies with optimal nutrition, lifestyle changes, and safe, effective natural recovery ingredients, we can help to ensure better surgical outcomes and quicker recovery times. 

For comprehensive recovery support, skip the guesswork and opt for our pre- and post-procedural recovery bundles, complete with everything you need for a smooth, natural recovery. Reach for our Facial Surgery Bundle to support healing following cosmetic and facial procedures, or our Body Surgery Bundle to support recovery after more invasive surgical and plastic surgery procedures. 

Adapted from "14 Tips for a Rapid Recovery"; Dr. David H. Rahm, 2015