I've been consuming 3mg on vitamin E every day. Should I consider postponing my tummy tuck?

Question

I’ve been drinking Carnation Breakfast Essentials almost daily for breakfast. I took a look at the nutrition facts and see it contains 3mg of Vitamin E. My tummy tuck is in 3 days! Should I consider postponing?

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. 3 mg of vitamin E is a very small amount. That is like 12 almonds. If you are concerned, please speak to your surgeon.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Thriving165554. Thank you for your question regarding the consumption of Vitamin E before your upcoming tummy tuck.

While Vitamin E is an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties, it can have an impact on blood clotting. High doses of Vitamin E can thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding during surgery. However, the 3mg of Vitamin E you’ve been consuming daily from your Carnation Breakfast Essentials is a relatively small amount and is unlikely to pose a significant risk.

That said, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. I recommend that you discuss this with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. They may advise you to stop consuming products containing Vitamin E for a few days leading up to your surgery. Additionally, your surgeon might recommend postponing the surgery if they feel there is any risk, though this is unlikely with such a small amount of Vitamin E.

Always follow your plastic surgeon's advice regarding pre-operative care to ensure the safest outcome. Good luck with your surgery, and I hope this helps to answer your question regarding Vitamin E consumption before a tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Thriving165554,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Reach out to your surgeon for his/her guideline on this. It should be fine to have surgery. Best wishes!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The 3mg of Vitamin E is a very small amount, but should be discussed with your surgeon who will determine if it is okay to proceed with surgery as planned.  It is important that your surgeon is aware of all medications you take including prescription, over the counter and supplements.

I've been consuming 3mg on vitamin E every day. Should I consider postponing my tummy tuck?

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Answer: Tummy Tuck

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Answer: Medications and supplements

Answer: Medications and supplements

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I've been consuming 3mg on vitamin E every day. Should I consider postponing my tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy Tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck

Answer: Medications and supplements

Answer: Medications and supplements

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.