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In this article, we will discuss what to eat after rhinoplasty surgery. There are many things that you should know about your diet and how it can impact your recovery process.
We hope to give you a better understanding of post-operative care so that you have insight into what is best for your health and wellness.
Eating right is an important part of the recovery process and following these recommendations will ensure you won’t hinder your progress.
On the day of your surgery, you will be asked to fast for a full twelve hours. It is important that this break from food and drink lasts so that your stomach can rest while the anesthesia wears off and also give your nasal tissues time to heal after any incisions have been stitched up.
Remember, liquid nutrition is still okay!
Breaking this fast should be done with food that you know will be easy on your stomach. Avoid anything that might cause you to feel nauseous and anything that is too cold or too hot.
Pasta, rice, fish, or chicken should all be fine to eat, so are soft foods such as oatmeal.
In the first week after surgery, you still must be conscious of your intake. Your nose will probably be blocked during this period which will be uncomfortable on its own.
You don’t wanna eat meals that will cause further mucus buildup and exaggerate this process, such as hot or spicy food.
You can eat soft foods such as eggs and strained soups that are made with meats or vegetables. Potatoes, pasta, salads, and meats that don’t require a lot of chewing are all good choices.
High fiber foods are also recommended as they aid normal bowel movements and help avoid constipation. Fruits, fresh or cooked vegetables, brown rice, or whole-wheat bread are some good examples.
During this time frame, it is also important to drink plenty of fluids so avoid caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, or soda which will cause dehydration. Keep to a healthy diet and plenty of water instead.
In the second week after surgery, you are cleared to eat more solid foods. You will probably still be experiencing nasal congestion and it is important that you make wise choices about what you consume at this time.
You can start having a protein-rich diet by including dairy products like milk or cheese as well as lean meats such as poultry or fish in your diet.
It is still important to avoid certain foods like hot or spicy food which will cause you pain and discomfort, as well as items with a lot of salt.
Eating healthy and maintaining your weight is also crucial to recovery at this stage in the process so stay away from junk food! Processed food also tends to be inflammatory which is the opposite of what you want.
We have just discussed options for a good diet following your nose surgery but you also wanna be aware of foods to avoid during the recovery period.
Spicy foods are not recommended at all during recovery post-op as they can cause a lot of problems such as irritating your mucous membrane and increasing blood pressure.
They also might cause you to sneeze and cause stomach issues.
Avoid anything hot, including peppers and other spicy items like curry during the recovery period.
Your nasal tissues will be sore and sensitive during the recovery process, so avoid foods that are too hot or too cold.
Avoid anything with ice cream as well as any other frozen items to keep your nose from getting further irritated by the change in temperature.
Similarly, although eating strained soup is recommended make sure it is cooled down somewhat before consuming it.
While it is important to stay hydrated during recovery, avoid anything that has a lot of salt.
Salt will increase your water retention but also worsen the swelling of your nasal tissues and slow down the recovery progress.
The list of foods to avoid includes any canned foods such as soup with high sodium content, salty snacks like chips or crackers, or salty cheeses such as feta.
During the first week following rhinoplasty surgery, you should refrain from chewing too much.
The constant movement of your jaws and upper mouth can lead to more swelling in the nasal area and chewy food pieces can be hard to swallow with a stuffed nose.
The list of what to avoid also includes chewing gum, hard candies, certain raw vegetables such as carrots, steaks, and jerkies.
Avoid any food with seeds as they can easily get lodged in your nose and nasal tissues which is painful.
Similarly, try not to chew too much on one side of your mouth because this often leads to a swollen face and sore mouth.
Anti-inflammatory foods that aid your recovery include leafy green vegetables, fruits such as berries, oranges, and apples, tomatoes, olive oil, nut butters, and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.
Plenty of water is an absolute must after any surgical procedure, including a nose job. Other hydrating liquids such as coconut water are also good choices.
You want to avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, and too hot, or too cold drinks for a while. You can read our detailed guide to drinking after nose surgery here.
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