Perioperative nutrition and nutritional supplements.

Due to the combination of poor dietary habits and aging in the U.S. population, an increase in the incidence of chronic disease is occurring in this country. The prevalence of poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases can have a significant impact on surgical outcome and complications. The number of patients with pre-existing nutritional deficiencies and health problems who are seeking cosmetic surgical procedures is growing. Nutritional intervention and supplements can have a beneficial effect on such patients who are undergoing surgery. Plastic surgeons performing aesthetic procedures may want to incorporate nutritional guidance and supplementation into their perioperative office regimen to mitigate complications and to optimize surgical outcome.