I'm having liposuction and was told to take omega 3 and vitamin C before surgery. Is this okay?

If this was recommended by your surgeon then you should be following his/her instructions. When you have similar questions or even concerns, contact your surgeon for answers or explanations.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Great question!  The philosophy is not to use anything that has an effect on blood coagulation - affecting bleeding during surgery and bruising after surgery.  The most important of these is aspirin, and since the effect of even one baby aspirin lasts 9-13 days in our system, it is prudent to not take any aspirin for two weeks before a procedure (even Botox and fillers).  Others to avoid are fish oil, vitamin E, gingko and garlic pills, omega 3, and anything that you don't know the ingredients of.  I ask patients to refrain from taking these for one week before surgery.  Vitamin C is fine, as is D.  This is some evidence that bromelain and arnica montana may decrease bruising so these may be helpful around the time of surgery.  Cheers,Brad Remington, MD