Do you know which supplements should be avoided before a plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures? We all know we need to tell our doctors about the prescriptions we’re taking, and even the over-the-counter drugs we’re on. But how often do you consider the potential risks supplements have to the safety of a medical procedure?
“It’s a little ironic,” says Dr. Adam Mamelak, board-certified dermatologist and skin surgeon in Austin, Texas. “Many of us take these products as a natural health supplement, but it often never occurs to us to mention it to our health care provider!”
No matter what the surgery is, whether it is a breast reduction surgery, Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, CA, or other cosmetic procedure, the process of healing is the same. Healing is not magical. The body must repair and rebuild itself. “Some supplements and vitamins can increase your risk of bruising and bleeding after surgery because their ingredients thin the blood,” notes Dr. Mamelak. “In general, It’s best to avoid these products for least two weeks before or after surgery or a cosmetic procedure, unless medically indicated.”
We are providing a general list of supplements and vitamins to avoid. However, every person is different. Patients should always disclose all of their supplements, vitamins, and medications when planning your surgery or cosmetic procedure.
Here is a list of supplements and vitamins that thin blood:
- Bilberry
- Coenzyme Q
- Cranberry
- Cayenne
- Dong Quai
- Feverfew
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginger
- Ginseng
- Goldenseal
- Hawthorne
- Kava Kava
- Licorice Root
- Ma Huang
- Melatonin
- Papaya
- Red Clover
- St. Johns Wort
- Yohimbe
- Valerian
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
“Other negative effects caused by supplements or vitamins include cardiovascular issues, anesthetic issues, drug interactions and more,” says Dr. Mamelak. Some supplements that have other negative effects or can interact with drugs include:
- Echinacea
- Ephedra
- Garlic
- Ginseng
- Goldenseal
- Licorice Root
- St John’s Wort
- Kava
- Valerian
Our office can give more detailed information about supplements and vitamins to patients. The best thing to do is to tell us about anything you take daily. This way, you will remember to disclose all the supplements and vitamins you take regularly.
