Recommended Vitamins and Supplements to Be Taken Prior and Post Surgery?

Hi, so there is a lot of information regarding vitamins and sups that are not recommended to be taken prior surgery such as,Vitamin E. Just wondering are there any vitamins or sups out there that can be taken before and after surgery to help reduce healing time and bruising. I am undergoing a rhinoplasty and otoplasty in November. I also take two alfalfa caps daily, is that okay? Thanks.

Tags:

aftercare preparation

Comment on this

7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Timmy89 in Malibu

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (0)

Medications and Supplements Before and After Surgery

There are an array of medications and supplements to avoid before surgery. The most essential are those that could cause unnecessary bleeding, such as aspirin-containing products, NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and extra vitamin E, garlic, ginseng, or Ginkgo, which should be discontinued a week or so before surgery. If you are taking the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin), you will usually be advised to discontinue this within a certain time before surgery. Your... more

Ross A. Clevens, MD

25 reviews

Melbourne Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drclevens.com

Bromelain before surgery helps swelling and bruising

I have my patients stop all herbal supplements and vitamins preoperatively, however, I encourage them to take Bromelain. This is the enzyme in pineapple that reduces bruising and swelling. I have not seen that Arnica makes much difference, but have been amazed how Bromealin decreased bruising after surgery in patients who were known to be "big 'bruisers!"

Vitamins Before And After The Surgery

Dear Timmy, It is recommended to eat pineapple and to take Arnica a week before the surgery and then to continue taking it for about a week after the surgery. As for Vitamins, I recommend that patients eat healthy and take Vitamin C supplements couple of days before the surgery After all, you should have a full blood test about 10 days to a week before your surgery to make sure that your electrolytes are well in the normal range before proceeding with any surgical... more

Vitamins and Supplements to be taken before and after Rhinoplasty

I give my patients a very long list of things to avoid before and after rhinoplasty. There are several supplements that are recommended or given to patients before surgery but these are individualized for each person.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Vitamins

Stop Vitamin E one month before surgery. Multivitamins are fine, but a good healthy diet is the most import issue for you.

Helpful Supplements For Cosmetic Surgery

The 2 primary herbs used to help with bruising and swelling are Bromelaine and Arnica. They need to be started prior to your surgery in order to be most effective. Bromelaine is also found in fresh pineapple, so eating a lot of pineapple leading up to your surgery would be helpful as well. Also, remember that the skin needs nourishment in order to heal well. Often you don't feel great right after surgery and therefore are not eating well. Eating a good well balanced diet (especially because... more

Vitamins and Herbs pre and post surgery

I start my patients on Vitamin C 500mg three times a day starting three days before surgery and patients may start on arnica as directed starting the day before surgery and following surgery to help with bruising and swelling. Patients need to stop most other vitamins and herbal supplements due to excess bleeding. This answer is just in regards to supplements not prescribed medicine or over the counter medications which must be reviewed by your surgeon who will inform you prior to surgery... more