Should you take Inflammenz right before and after surgery to prevent bruising?

Question

In a past surgery, I was required to take inflammenz a few days before my surgery and also after surgery. I am about to have a facelift with another doctor, and he said to stop taking ALL supplements because it may cause complications. In his list of supplements to stop, he listed Bromelain, which is an ingredient in Inflammenz. He also listed Arnica, which I thought also helped with preventing bruising.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

The most important medication to stop is aspirin or aspirin-containing medications.  Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding unacceptably. While combinations of bromelain and arnica are sometimes prescribed after surgery to make bruising resolve more quickly, many doctors do not want to take any chances with supplements before surgery. This is because there are unknowns and variables in ingredients in over the counter medications and supplements over which your surgeon has no control. He can control the surgery, and wants to eliminate the pre-operative variables.It is best to stop over the counter supplements and herbal medications before surgery just to be on the safe side, and always consult your plastic surgeon about anything you are taking.  When in doubt, don't take it.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If you are in good health there's really nothing to take by mouth prior to a facelift. They certainly will not improve the outcome. Check with your own surgeon about his personal preferences.

Edward J. Gross, MD · Answer

In order to decrease bruising after surgery, we recommend
patients take arnica. The patients receive arnica, in both gel and capsule
form, to use before and after surgery to help prevent as much bruising from
occurring as possible.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

We all have our own recipe for success. Follow your sugeon's advice. RealSelf is wonderful for communicating but it can often times confuse the patients. Good luck.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Supplements have not been as fully studied as medications, so the data to support whether certain supplements help or not is not incomplete.  Different surgeons may have different opinions in regards to using supplements or not and there are definitely some supplements which could hinder recovery after a facelift.  I would recommend following the instructions of your particular surgeon, since he will be responsible for your care.

Should you take Inflammenz right before and after surgery to prevent bruising?

Answers (9)

Answer: Should you take Inflammenz right before and after surgery to prevent bruising?

Answer: Should you take Inflammenz right before and after surgery to prevent bruising?

Answer: Supplements before facelift surgery

Answer: Supplements before facelift surgery

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

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

Should you take Inflammenz right before and after surgery to prevent bruising?

Answers (9)

Answer: Should you take Inflammenz right before and after surgery to prevent bruising?

Answer: Should you take Inflammenz right before and after surgery to prevent bruising?

Answer: Supplements before facelift surgery

Answer: Supplements before facelift surgery

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

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