After septoplasty, follow your surgeon’s diet instructions and choose foods you can comfortably tolerate. Ask the care team about fluids, meal temperature, medication-related nausea and any restrictions specific to your procedure. A particular food cannot guarantee faster healing or prevent complications.
This guide offers questions and meal ideas to discuss alongside your own aftercare plan. If you have already had septoplasty surgery, your treating surgeon’s instructions take priority.
Your Guide on What to Eat After Septoplasty
After septoplasty, it is common for your upper lip and gums to be numb. While things should return to normal within 1 – 2 months, it is essential you fuel your body with the proper nutrients to avoid any complications, excess swelling, and delayed healing. While the ultimate aim is to return to your regular diet asap, and there are no restrictions on what you can and can’t eat, there are recommended foods to eat right after septoplasty surgery to help speed up the recovery process.
The Best and Worst Foods to Eat After Septoplasty Surgery
Best
Ultimately, you should aim for a healthy, balanced diet packed full of vitamins and minerals to help give your body the best chance at healing. Consider incorporating the following into your diet:
- Clear fluids and soft foods, especially during the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Easy to chew foods like mashed potato, jello, warm soup, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal are gentle on the stomach and your jaw.
- Plenty of water and hydrating food and beverages like watermelon, strawberries, green tea, and cucumber.
- Anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, blueberries, mushrooms, grapes, avocado, tomatoes, and dark chocolate.
- Foods rich in proteins, vitamin A and vitamin C, like red meat, dark leafy greens, citrus, fish, and eggs.
Avoid
In the first few weeks post-surgery, we recommend avoiding the following to prevent any excessive swelling, constipation, or nausea.
- Hot and spicy foods. Not only can they increase swelling and lead to a build-up of fluid, but they can cause nausea and sickness, especially within the first 24 hours of surgery.
- Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes can damage your throat and nose, especially when they are vulnerable after surgery.
- Foods high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats can also increase swelling and fluid retention.
- Overly chewy, sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that require excessive jaw movement and can disrupt the healing process.
- Hot liquids and foods that can cause the nose to heat up and lead to a nose bleed.
Can you Drink Alcohol After Septoplasty Surgery
Drinking alcohol after septoplasty is strongly discouraged, at least for the first month, to give your body the best chance at recovery. Alcohol is proven to slow healing, contribute to swelling and increase the likelihood of bleeding, so it is essential to limit your consumption as much as possible.
Learn More About Septoplasty Recovery
While there is no need to stay away from your favorite foods forever, it’s important to consider what to eat after septoplasty to give your body time to heal well. If you’re considering septoplasty, or have questions about your aftercare plan, contact the team at Sedgh Plastic Surgery today.
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Planning Nasal Surgery in Los Angeles or Hollywood?
If you are researching treatment before surgery, review septoplasty in Los Angeles and functional rhinoplasty for structural breathing concerns. They address different aspects of nasal anatomy; an examination helps clarify the appropriate plan.
Dr. Jacob Sedgh practices in West Hollywood, serving Los Angeles and Hollywood. Request a consultation to discuss your goals and how to prepare. For a concern during recovery, contact your treating surgical team directly.
Posted on behalf of Sedgh Plastic Surgery