Take blood flow vitamins after tummy tuck to help with healing?

Question

So I purchased vitamins to help with blood flow after my tummy tuck. My questions are, is it ok to take them after my tummy tuck and will it help with healing?

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Please please please check in with your PS about any medications you want to take before and after surgery. The answer really depends upon what is in the medications you want to take and how it they  interact with the other meds you are taking.

Shain A. Cuber, MD · Answer

It is always best to ask the surgeon performing the surgery. Vitamins can sometimes make the blood thinner and cause excess bleeding or bruising, while others may actually help with healing. I'm sure your surgeon will have a preference.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

There are no vitamins that will assist in blood flow. Vitamin C is great for healing but not critical. Blood flow depends on your medical history, surgical history, and possible tobacco use. It also depends on surgeon technique. Your best bet is to see a board certified plastic surgeon to assure outcome: plasticsurgery.org.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Do not take anything without discussing it with your plastic surgeon. Some supplements can interfere with blood clotting, leading to bleeding problems, or interact with other medications.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Assuming that these vitamins are not approved by the FDA, I would say that it is not worth it to use the vitamins that may not have any scientific evidence to support their use. Ask your surgeon first before starting any new medications around the time of your surgery.

Leonard Harris, MD · Answer

There are a few studies that show that taking certain supplements can increase blood flow to the tissues and improve swelling, bruising and possible healing times.  These work through increasing levels of Nitric Oxide and usually are combinations of arginine and citrulline.
I have been giving my patients a product called Vivanta Recovery which is a combination of enzymes, antioxidants and amino acids that increase nitric oxide levels and help with swelling and bruising post operatively. This is given 3 days pre-op and then again after surgery.
Definitely not an unusual question, and routine in many practices.
As always, do your research, then speak to your plastic surgeon before using.

Erica Anderson, MD · Answer

You should check with your plastic surgeon to make them aware of any drugs you take or plan to take, especially if there are supposed to help with healing after surgery. Best wishes.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery and thank you for sharing your question about your post operative recovery and results after your surgery.  Final results can take 6-12 months for all the swelling to subside.  At our office here at CARE we actually see all of our surgery patients the very next day after surgery and then again at two weeks and beyond. We enjoy staying closely connected to our patients and enjoy giving the extra attention and service. Your concerns are important to discuss directly with your board certified plastic surgeon.  He or she will appreciate the open communication and will want to help you. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the very best.  Sincerely, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

There are no known benefits of Vitamins on blood flow that will be useful at this point and some supplements can be counter-productive or detrimental. If your general health and diet was good before surgery then save your money.  Plastic Surgeons have tremendous knowledge about wound healing and are always looking for scientifically proven benefits of supplements before making recommendations to our patients. Share your supplement plans with your surgeon and follow their advice.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

I have heard of vitamins and supplements to help with bruising such as arnica but blood flow is a new one to me?  Best to call your doctor as the last thing you want to take would be blood thinners.  Call your surgeon and discuss this.  Good luck!

Take blood flow vitamins after tummy tuck to help with healing?

Answers (13)

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