Tummy Tuck: Which vitamins and minerals to continue/discontinue?

Hi,Thanks for your question.  The link below will provide you with a list of medications, including supplements, that should be discontinued prior to surgery to avoid excess bleeding.

This is something you should discuss with your surgeon. For my patients I have them take VitaMedica vitamins which are a high quality vitamin that does not have vitamin E but includes arnica and bromelain. I have them start 2 weeks before surgery and continue for 2 weeks after surgery. Good luck.

Majority of board certified plastic surgeons would recommend that patients stop taking herbal medications and blood thinners (like vitamin E) at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. However, every surgeon's preop protocol might be different so best to check directly with your operating surgeon. Good luck!

When having surgery such as a tummy tuck we recommend stopping all medication including all vitamins and supplements two weeks prior and two weeks after the surgery.  Taking herbal supplements can affect the healing process.  It is best to consult with your surgeon to see what they suggest.   

Every plastic surgeon will have his or her own regimen. I recommend stopping everything two weeks before surgery. If you have known anemia, testing your hematocrit earlier than usual may be wise; if the blood values are too low, you may not be able to obtain medical clearance for surgery.

Herbal supplements may contain a variety of substances that can cause problems with blood coagulation and with anesthesia. It is recommended that all herbal supplements be stopped 2 weeks before elective surgery. You should discuss what medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking, both prescription and over the counter, with your plastic surgeon and have him or her decide what you should and should not be taking. Your surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Robert Singer, MD  FACS 
La Jolla, California

I prefer that patients avoid meds like ASA and NSAID's about two weeks before surgery, avoid herbal supplements, and take  Multivitamin and extra Vit C before surgery.  You are best to ask your surgeon his preference.