Had steroid injection 12 days before surgery. Will this be a problem?

Hi Inventive2045,
Steroids decrease inflammation which is great for tonsillitis but bad for wound healing.
For elective surgeries, I suggest patients have no steroids for at least a month...and for those who have recently taken steroids, I typically suggest high volume vitamin A supplementation, which can counteract some of the negative wound healing repercussions of steroids.
I would definitely discuss with your surgeon (not just your anesthesiologist) in advance--not in the preop area, preferably!
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Thank you for your question. It's great that you’re being proactive about your health and planning to inform your anesthesiologist about the steroid injection. Here’s what you should know about its potential impact on your upcoming tummy tuck, muscle repair, and liposuction surgery.

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid commonly used to reduce inflammation. While it has a half-life of about 12 hours, its effects on the immune system and tissue healing can last longer, depending on the dosage and frequency of use. Steroids can potentially impair wound healing, increase the risk of infection, and affect the body’s ability to respond to stress, which is a concern during surgery.

It’s crucial to tell your anesthesiologist and surgeon about the injection. They’ll assess how the steroid may impact your surgical plan and post-operative healing. In many cases, a single injection 12 days before surgery poses minimal risk, but adjustments may be necessary:

If your body has been exposed to steroids recently, your surgical team might administer a small dose of steroids during surgery to ensure your body can handle the stress. Post-operative care might include closer monitoring to ensure optimal healing.
The likelihood of cancellation is low if the steroid injection was a one-time treatment and not part of a longer regimen. However, the final decision will depend on your surgical team’s assessment of your overall health and readiness for surgery.

Be upfront about the injection and the reasons for it when meeting with your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Ensure you’re following all pre-operative guidelines, including maintaining good nutrition and avoiding smoking or other activities that can impair healing. If your surgeon recommends postponing the surgery to allow the effects of the steroid to wear off completely, it’s in your best interest to follow that guidance.
Steroid injections are commonly administered, and your surgical team is well-versed in managing this situation. With clear communication and planning, it’s unlikely to become a significant issue.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

You will need to discuss this with your surgeon who will inform you if surgery can proceed as scheduled. It is always important to let your surgeon know of any medication- prescription or over the counter- that you take as well as any supplements. Your safety is the number one priority in surgery.