The Best Diet after Rhinoplasty

Most surgeries require their own proper diet. A good diet can reduce complications and make the healing process faster and safer. It is very important to stick with the diet your surgeon provides you, otherwise you may be exposing yourself to dangerous risks.

The reason patients need a specific diet after rhinoplasty is because the body cannot digest food as easily as before. This is caused by the anesthesia and other medications the patient needs to take after their rhinoplasty. This behooves the patient to only eat food that can be digested safely and easily. In addition, the patient’s diet should have the necessary nutrients to help enhance the immune system and reduce swelling and pain.

What to Eat right after Rhinoplasty

The anesthesia in your blood can cause complications if you are not careful with what you eat. You may have to refrain from eating and drinking for several hours immediately after surgery. After this short time period, you will be allowed to drink liquids. Drink non-acidic juice, broth, and chicken soup are recommended. In addition, high-fiber liquid foods will prevent constipation, which is sometimes common after surgery.

Then your doctor will talk to you about the dietary guidelines you have to follow during your recovery period. Below, you can see a thorough list of foods and the necessary nutrients that you need to consume in order to get the best results and have a speedy and safe recovery.

A Diet for Rhinoplasty Patients

Chewing will be difficult and even dangerous after rhinoplasty. You will not be able to eat solid foods for some time after surgery. Therefore, try to eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soup.

Foods with high levels of fiber: As mentioned earlier, high-fiber liquid foods will prevent constipation by helping bowel movements. A list of foods rich in fiber:

• Brown rice
• Whole grains
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Avocados
• Popcorn
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Spinach

If any of these foods are too hard to chew (the vegetables, for example), you can try boiling or cooking them.

Foods that reduce inflammation: These foods decrease inflammation and help the body heal faster. This is a list of anti-inflammatory foods:

• olive oil
• green tea
• dark chocolate
• avocado
• fatty fish
• tomatoes
• fruits including berries and grapes
• nuts

Foods rich in protein: Your wounds need protein to heal. The more protein you eat, the faster your body can heal itself. Here is a list of foods rich in protein:

• lean meat
• dairy products, especially yogurt
• spinach
• fish
• seafood
• eggs
• soy products
• nuts
• beans

Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables provide some of the best nutrients. They are filled with numerous minerals and vitamins. They can also keep you hydrated. Pineapples and berries are some of the best fruits to eat.

Stay hydrated: Water is the best liquid to drink to stay hydrated. Fruits and juice are also good options to stay hydrated. Acidic juices can cause complications, though.

Foods to Avoid after Rhinoplasty

Salt: salt contains high levels of sodium that can promote water retention and swelling. Avoid foods that contain salt. Processed foods belong to this category as well.

Alcohol: you need to avoid alcohol for about two weeks because it prevents your wounds from healing. Also, consuming alcohol when you are on medication can be extremely harmful.

Too hot/cold foods: eating foods that are too hot or too cold can trigger pain and irritation. If you love ice cream, you would have to avoid it for a while. Consequently, lukewarm or cool foods (not too cold) are better options.  

Caffeine: similar to alcohol, caffeinated drinks inhibit wound healing. You can still have decaf coffee or tea, but avoid caffeine at all costs.

Solid foods: as mentioned earlier, chewing becomes difficult after rhinoplasty. For this reason, you will not be able to eat foods that are crunchy or hard to chew for 7 days. However, if you think you can cook or prepare the food in a way that it becomes soft and mushy, then you would not have to worry about this problem. For example, you can cook vegetables and cut hard-to-chew fruits into tiny pieces.  

Spicy foods: Spicy foods can cause the nose to secrete more mucus, resulting in the blockage of the nose. They can also trigger sneezing and slow down the healing process.

Diet after Rhinoplasty: timetable  

Diet for the First Week

• Do not eat spicy foods or foods that are too hot or cold. They can promote mucus buildup, which results in the blockage of the nose.
• Eat soft, nutritious foods that do not require too much effort to be chewed. Soup, mashed potatoes, protein shakes, eggs, yogurt, and oatmeal are foods you can consume without having to worry about complications.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid drinking soda or caffeinated drinks. Eating juicy fruits like watermelon is a great way to stay hydrated.   
• Instead of having three large meals, you can have more frequent but smaller meals.  

Bear in mind that it would be normal if you vomit or feel nauseous. Nonetheless, keep your doctor informed about your condition.

Diet for The Second Week

• Most patients can expand their diet during this period to a more ordinary diet. Your body can now handle solid foods better.
• You can add dairy products to your diet. They are among the best sources of protein.  
• Do not eat spicy foods or foods that are too hot or cold.
• Do not eat salty foods. They will cause dehydration.
• Avoid junk food.

After two weeks, you will pretty much go back to your normal diet. There may still be exceptions that you have to avoid for more than two weeks, such as caffeine and alcohol.

FAQ

Can I smoke after surgery?

Absolutely not. Smoking is one of the most harmful things you can do after surgery. It hurts both your throat and your nose. In case you are a heavy smoker, consult your doctor for a solution. It is generally suggested that patients quit smoking altogether after rhinoplasty.

Will my sense of taste stay intact after rhinoplasty?

Your sense of taste will likely become weaker after surgery. Nonetheless, this is just going to be temporary, and you will soon be able to taste food like before.