Is it okay to use skin products that contain Vitamin E before Rhinoplasty surgery ?

Question

I am having rhinoplasty in less than a week. I use a couple different products (to treat scar removals) that contain Vitamin E in it. I was instructed to stop taking Vitamin E two weeks before surgery because it can thin your blood. My question is: Is it okay to continue to use my scar products (containing Vitamin E) on the surface of my skin? Is Vitamin E only a concern when ingested or also when applied to skin surfaces? The site of application is a spot of my arm and leg.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Topical vitamin E. is acceptable to be placed over scars before and after rhinoplasty surgery. It's best not to take vitamin E by mouth which is a blood thinner.

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

There should not be a contraindication to the use of topical Vitamin E on another area of the body before rhinoplasty surgery. However, there is no supportive evidence for the use of vitamin E to scars.

Edward Farrior, MD · Answer

It is not okay to do anything before a rhinoplasty without the permission of the rhinoplasty surgeon.  You will want him to take responsibility for the surgical outcome and he expects you to be a responsible patient and not do anything without his permission that might impact your outcome.  Most surgeons have very specific preoperative and postoperative instructions that are provided to the patient's.  These instructions should be followed to the letter.  This is too big a commitment on your part to in any way risk compromising the outcome. Get your pre-and postoperative care instructions from your physician not from the Internet.  If he can not provide you with specific instructions for your care then seek care elsewhere.  Otherwise follow his or her instructions.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear socaligirl, I have my patients discontinue the usage of Vitamin E at least two weeks before their scheduled procedure. This would include any usage of a full body cream containing the Vitamin E. If you have a small area you are using the product on then I would suggest that you clear that with your surgeon's office. I am guessing they will state it is fine to continue. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Though I think it's perfectly safe to apply Vitamin E to your skin I see no reason to not stop it at the same time as you stop your Vitamin E pills before surgery.  I personally don't think that there's any proof that Vit E helps healing or incisions and we do know that the oral form does thin the blood and enhance bruising and bleeding similar to aspirin.Discuss this with your surgeon or his staff to get your doctor's best advice.  Best wishes.Jon A Perlman MD FACSCertified, Am Board of Plastic SurgeryExtreme Makeover Surgeon ABC TVBeverly Hills, Ca

Is it okay to use skin products that contain Vitamin E before Rhinoplasty surgery ?

Answers (5)

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