What supplements and meds. should I avoid before having sculptra? After?

Question

Douglas K. Henstrom, MD · Answer

It's always a good idea to avoid any supplements and/or medications that may increase your risk of bruising, before your injectables. If however you take these medications (such as aspirin or other blood thinner) for medically related reasons, then you should consult with both your treating physician and primary care provider about the benefits and potential risks of going off of those medications.  Depending on the comfort level of your injecting physician it may not be an absolute contraindication to getting Sculptra.  Typically I ask my patients to avoid supplements, aspirin, aleve and ibuprofen before such an injection, if medically safe. Best of luck.

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

In general, avoiding certain medications and herbal supplements before an injectable procedure, like Sculptra, will lessen your risk of bruising.  Although not an absolute requirement it is best to avoid all herbal supplements and medications such as aspirin (if OK'd by your heart or primary care physician), ibuprofen products, and Aleve to name a few.I hope this helps.

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

Knowing what supplements and over the counter medications to avoid IS important.Since many people take a variety of heart-healthy supplements and over the counter pain medications, it's often unclear what might present a problem.You should always tell your doctor all vitamins, supplements, over the counter medications and prescription medications you take. You'll get a better result with far less risk of bruising if you refrain from anything that "thins" your blood. **If you are on a prescription blood thinner, never stop taking that medication without discussing your plans for cosmetic injectables with your prescribing physician! And please don't hide the fact that you are taking blood thinners. Here is a short list that you should pay attention toFish oilAspirinPain relievers (Tylenol OK)Coumadin or similar (Requires primary physician approval to interrupt )GlucosamineGinkgo BilobaVitamin EExotic or herbal supplements

Francesco Campanile, MD · Answer

Talk to your doctor thoroughly, about all the vitamins, supplements you have considered so far. All the best!

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

This is a great question.  Certain medications and supplements increase our risk of bruising with Sculptra (or any other cosmetic injections) because they decrease our blood's ability to clot after an injury.  It's always a good idea to review all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as your vitamins and herbal supplements with your physician prior to any treatment.
Some of the medications with the highest risk of bruising are: aspirin, NSAID pain medications (Motrin, Advil, Aleve), prescription blood thinners (Coumadin/warfarin, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Plavix, etc), fish oils, omega-3, vitamin E, and ginseng, and ginkgo.  If you are taking a prescription blood thinner, or are taking aspirin on the recommendation of a physician, do not stop unless you have discussed with your prescribing doctor.  Best of luck!

What supplements and meds. should I avoid before having sculptra? After?

Answers (6)

Answer: Every practice provides a slightly different set of guidelines

Answer: Every practice provides a slightly different set of guidelines

Answer: Medications to Avoid Before and After Sculptra

Answer: Medications to Avoid Before and After Sculptra

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Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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What supplements and meds. should I avoid before having sculptra? After?

Answers (6)

Answer: Every practice provides a slightly different set of guidelines

Answer: Every practice provides a slightly different set of guidelines

Answer: Medications to Avoid Before and After Sculptra

Answer: Medications to Avoid Before and After Sculptra

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sculptra

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