Taking vitamins before cosmetic surgery
Several websites state there are vitamins you need to stay away from before surgery. However, none of the sites identify which ones shouldn't be taken and why. Are there vitamins that shouldn't be taken? Why?
Answers (3)
Don't take excessive vitamins,just 1 MVI and some Vit C.
I tell my patients that they can take a single mutlivitamin each day and some Vitamin C suplements. Otherwise, they should avoid all herbal's and additonal vitamins. Some people like to take VIt E., but actually excessive Vit E can impair wound healing. The herbals can have additional items in them that can cause bleeding and can effect the medications that the anesthesiologist administers.
Avoid vitamin E and herbal remedies
Before surgery, your surgeon should give you a list of medications and remedies to avoid for 2 weeks prior to AND after surgery that increase your tendency to bleed. These include Motrin, Advil, Aspirin, Vitamin E and many commonly used herbal supplements.
Avoid Vitamin E prior to Surgery - may lead to increased bleeding
There is an ever increasing amount of confusing information on the Internet. No matter what you read, it is best to discuss what you have read with your own physician before trying something on your own.
There are many vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements that are taken in order to alleviate any number of ailments. It is very important that you tell your physician about any and all of these supplements whether or not they are "natural." Many of these supplements have significant interactions with medications, may increase your likelihood of bleeding, and can seriously affect your outcome.
The science or research behind some of these suggested interactions are anecdotal and others are well documented. In general, it is difficult to study these supplements, because their market is not as well regulated as the prescription drug market. In other words, buying one type of Vitamin E may not be the same as buying another Vitamin E.
Here is a list of some reactions/interactions:
- Vitamin A - will actually help healing if you're on steroids
- Vitamin C - important in the formation of collagen, i.e. healing tissues
- Vitamin E - increased risk of bleeding
- Dong Quai - may increase risk of bleeding
- Feverfew - may increase risk of bleeding
- Fish oil - increased risk of bleeding
- Garlic - may increase risk of bleeding
- Ginkgo - may affect your blood pressure
- St. John's Wort - interacts with many medications
As you can see, there are many different reactions to many different herbal or natural supplements. Once again, tell your physician about all of your medications and supplements prior to any surgery and prior to changing any of them.
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