Whether you are going in for an elective cosmetic procedure or an operation that is something much more serious, preparing your body for surgery is extremely important. In addition to following your surgeon’s instructions, proper nutrition leading up to your procedure plays a role in a healthy recovery. Research has associated nutrient deficiencies with delayed wound healing, altered immune response, and a longer recovery process. For patients whose surgeons approve it, pre and post-operative IV hydration is one way some people choose to support their nutritional status around a procedure.
The role of vitamin C in surgery recovery has been researched since 1937 for its role in wound healing. Harvard Medical School surgeons in an early study noted that “spontaneous breakdown of a surgical wound in the absence of infection occurs with relative frequency in patients with the cachexia of cancer, in debilitated individuals, and in young patients; notably those who have some congenital anomaly of the gastro-intestinal tract.” They based their recommendation for the administration of vitamin C on their observations that wound healing was decreased when low vitamin C levels were present in patients.
Since then, and building on that original research, more studies have looked at the administration of higher doses of vitamin C and its relationship to wound healing. A key component in wound healing is collagen, which forms the connective tissue that builds up during healing. Collagen cannot be formed without enzymes that use vitamin C as a co-factor. When there is a deficiency, this process can be delayed. Poor wound healing is also associated with more noticeable scarring, and vitamin C has been studied for its role in scar appearance. Human beings lack the ability to store vitamin C, so regular replenishment matters for everyday nutrition and may be especially relevant during wound healing.
Nutrient deficiencies are associated not only with slower wound healing but also with a higher risk of complications and a longer recovery, in part because of reduced immune response. These risks are worth noting in the United States, where the Standard American Diet (SAD) is often nutrient poor and full of empty calories. Micronutrients like zinc and vitamin B6 are involved in immune function, and your physician can advise whether your levels should be assessed before surgery.
Fasting before surgery is important to reduce complications from anesthesia, but it also means the body goes into the procedure without recent nutritional intake. Many oral vitamins and supplements are not recommended before surgery because of bleeding risk, which is one reason patients ask about intravenous options instead. Pre and post-operative IV hydration treatments that are approved by your surgeon deliver fluids and nutrients directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. If you are curious about your baseline nutrient status, micronutrient testing starts with lab work and a physician review.
Patients who are poorly nourished may be more prone to surgery-related complications, including wound infection, slower healing, and more noticeable scarring. Pre and post-operative IV hydration is one wellness service patients in Jupiter, FL and across Palm Beach County use around a procedure, with a few important caveats:
Blends patients often ask about in this context include our Recharge vitamin C IV and Recover. Our team is happy to review the ingredients with you and with your surgeon.
RevitalIV is located at 1317 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 100, Jupiter, FL 33458, serving patients from Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County. Call (561) 406-2202 or book a consultation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a licensed healthcare provider about your individual health situation.
