Can I continue taking Fenugreek 6,000 mg/day prior to breast augmentation surgery?

Question

Hello. I have consulted with 3 plastic surgeons for breast augmentation. I am deciding between two of them, very tough decision. One of them said I had to stop ALL supplements prior to surgery. No big deal, EXCEPT I LOVE my Fenugreek supplement. It just gives me energy and makes me feel balanced. The other said Fenugreek would actually support recovery. Which do you agree with? THANKS!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question. 
Follow the instructions of the surgeon who will be operating on you. All questions and concerns should be directed to him or her. Each surgeon has their own protocol they follow. Best wishes!

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
In my opinion, it is best to stop supplements prior to your surgery. This is due to the possibility of increased bleeding during the operation and wound healing issues. I recommend speaking to a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Fenugreek, like virtually all supplements and vitamins, has not been shown to provide any health benefits. Any that you perceive are because of placebo effect. On the other hand, there are many supplements and vitamins that interfere with biologic processes that are important during surgery. Stop taking any supplements and vitamins for at least one month prior to surgery and a few weeks after. Preferably, you don't start taking them again.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has their own protocols for how to manage vitamins and supplements around surgery to optimize your results.  In your specific case, fenugreek has been shown to delay clotting, which could potentially increase bleeding.  This could increase your risk of blood around the implant and capsular contracture.  In the end, I would follow the advice of the surgeon you choose.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Anon453054,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I also tell all my patients to stop any vitamins or supplements because you never know what’s in them. I doubt it would make a difference either way, but this is nit the issue you want to use to choose a surgeon.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I would go with the advice of the plastic surgeon you choose. This is really just surgeon based. If you were to have come to our practice we say to stop all supplements at least three days prior to surgery we don't specify which ones we generalize ALL supplements because unlike prescription drugs over the counter supplements are not thoroughly tested and safely evaluated for possible other contamination in the supplement; not to mention not all brands are the same and because it would be very tedious to our medical staff to have each patient bring in their supplements and carefully go through the ingredients. We allow them to resume all supplements 3 days later pending no post operative complications. A full balanced diet, no smoking and hydration along with sleep will aide you in your recovery. You of course have to do what is more comfortable for you and your decision should be based on which doctor you prefer to perform the surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Every surgeon will have her/his own protocol regarding medication and supplements to be stopped prior to surgery.  Fenugreek has been shown to slow clotting which could increase bleeding during surgery.  It is best if this medication is stopped a few weeks before surgery.  You will be able to return to your normal supplement regimen once given clearance by your surgeon depending on how you progress through recovery.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend stopping this prior to surgery to avoid the risks of side effects, especially allergic ones.

Can I continue taking Fenugreek 6,000 mg/day prior to breast augmentation surgery?

Answers (9)

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