Aesthetic procedures like dermal fillers and non-invasive body contouring can go a long way in improving your clients’ outward appearance. However, these treatments cannot tackle any internal factors that may be aging their skin from within. This is where healthy food comes in since it plays a fundamental role in aspects like body composition and skin quality, as well as immune health, and the body’s ability to heal.
How Nutrition Plays A Role In Aesthetic Outcomes
According to a recent paper published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (January 2020), nutritional counseling can help support positive outcomes for aesthetic patients. In fact, pre-op instructions from plastic surgeons and dermatologists require dietary changes including cutting out alcohol, smoking, and even taking vitamins and supplements prior to going under the knife. So how does nutrition fit into pre and post-treatment plans that don’t involve surgery, like non-invasive treatments? The answer is that more and more aesthetic providers are working in tandem with nutritionists to help advise their clients on how to adopt a proper diet before and after non-invasive treatments to ensure the best results.
The nutritional intake of your clients (both before and after) a non-invasive treatment will have a profound effect on their immune system and their ability to heal properly. Because the body’s natural wound healing process consumes a lot of energy, proper nutrition can also help to minimize bruising, swelling, and scarring—in addition to supporting the emotional well-being of your clients while they heal.
The nutritional intake of your clients (both before and after) a non-invasive treatment will have a profound effect on their immune system and their ability to heal properly. Because the body’s natural wound healing process consumes a lot of energy, proper nutrition can also help to minimize bruising, swelling, and scarring—in addition to supporting the emotional well-being of your clients while they heal.
Suggest A Healthy Diet 4-6 Weeks Prior To The Treatment
A client’s diet can play a big role in the success of their healing and results. Adam Kolker, MD, a New York-based double board-certified plastic surgeon explains, “Optimizing nutrition can have a dramatic impact on the body’s healing abilities and immune defense mechanisms.”
For those about to have a cosmetic procedure, Kolker suggests a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy, and largely plant-based fats for four to six weeks prior. He also recommends lean proteins comprise roughly 30 percent of the diet, in addition to a substantial amount of leafy greens. “While there is some controversy regarding the efficacy of supplemental vitamins, I do believe in adding vitamin C, vitamin D, B-complex, and zinc to an individual’s routine perioperatively,” he adds. Weeks leading up to the treatment, Kolker suggests staying away from alcohol, omega-3 fatty acids, high-sodium foods, smoking, and vaping.
For those about to have a cosmetic procedure, Kolker suggests a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy, and largely plant-based fats for four to six weeks prior. He also recommends lean proteins comprise roughly 30 percent of the diet, in addition to a substantial amount of leafy greens. “While there is some controversy regarding the efficacy of supplemental vitamins, I do believe in adding vitamin C, vitamin D, B-complex, and zinc to an individual’s routine perioperatively,” he adds. Weeks leading up to the treatment, Kolker suggests staying away from alcohol, omega-3 fatty acids, high-sodium foods, smoking, and vaping.
What Should Your Clients Eat After Their Aesthetic Treatment?
What your clients eat after their procedure is equally as important as beforehand. Dr. Kolker explains, “Avoiding a catabolic state with appropriate preoperative preparation continued into the postoperative phase will maximize healing and recovery.” After a treatment, your clients will need ample nutrients to recover. With vitamins and supplements traditionally frowned upon in the weeks following a cosmetic procedure, guiding your clients to properly fuel their bodies with the right diet is crucial. Kolker suggests lean proteins, fiber-rich foods (like whole grains, farro, and oatmeal), prebiotics like garlic, onion, and sunchokes, in addition to anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, and says that high-sodium foods, alcohol, sugar, smoking, and vaping be avoided.
The Takeaway
Food plays a pivotal role in the healing and recovery of your clients. For your clients to heal efficiently and get the best results, it will require a commitment on their behalf that begins long before their consultation with you. In conjunction with a licensed professional like a medical doctor or nutritionist, you can come up with a nutritional plan to optimize their healing abilities, recover quickly, and ensure that the end results are maintained.
