Can I take Vitamin E two months after a facelift ?

Question

Just noticed my Vitamin D Supplement has Vitamin E in it. I did stop before surgery taking supplements. What about now, two months post surgery ?

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

I think it is generally okay to take your supplements within about two weeks of surgery.  The big fear with Vitamin E is that it can make you bleed.  By the time you get to two weeks, you should be safe.Incidentally, there is some literature that suggests vitamin E is actually bad for your scars - did you know that?  It has actually been demonstrated to decrease the tensile strength of wounds.  Just one more tidbit for you to dial into the situation.Good Luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Unless you have a GI disturbance, supplemental Vitamin E can only do you harm.  It will have no effect on the facelift.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for the question. In general, it is recommended to avoid the following 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after a facelift:1) Vitamin E2) Fish Oil3) NSAID's4) Ibuprofen5) Herbal SupplementsEach of these has the tendency to increase bleeding. Taking Vitamin E should not be an issue 2 months after surgery. I would recommend following up with your surgeon regarding his or her specific guidelines. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

At 2 months after facelift, it is safe to resume Vitamin E and nutritional supplements. Your surgeon asked you to stop vitamin E before face lift to minimize bleeding issues during surgery and in the early post-operative period.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Vitamin E is OK after surgery, especially now that it is 2 months after surgery.  You should be healed well enough by now that it makes no difference.

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

I agree that it is ok to resume your vitamin supplementation two months after surgery.There is evidence that Vitamin E as well as herbals, NSAIDs, Aspirin, and blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding during facelift surgery.Now that you are two months out, it is safe to resume. I usually tell my patients it is ok to resume one week postop.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson G. Richards, MD

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Yes, taking Vitamin E is safe to take two months after a facelift, if your primary care physician has recommended Vitamin E supplementation to your diet.  Typically, most surgeons have guidelines that you stop taking Vitamin E (and other herbal supplements and some specific medications) 2 weeks prior to an elective procedure, such as a facelift.I hope this helps.

Barbara L. Persons, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with  my colleagues; no problem with vitamin E two months after your facelift.Wondering, "What's the deal with vitamin E and surgery?" Here's your answer: With any surgery, it is important to prevent bruising or hematoma (collection of blood.) In a procedure like the facelift, it's crucial. The concern for hematoma is greatest in the first 24 hours after surgery, and your surgeon will likely ask you to avoid some medications before and directly afterwards. In general the following factors have been reported predispose to the risk of hematoma/bruising: Hypertension, aspirin, NSAIDS and any blood thinner. There is also some data that suggests the risk of post-operative hematoma is increased with high doses of Vitamin E and certain herbal supplements. This has led to the familiar statement: "do not take any vitamins, herbs, aspirin, and any medications that may increase bleeding for 10 days before your operation." However, a nice study (see link below) looked specifically at Vitamin E and facelift, and actually found no increased risk of bleeding.Overall, what medication you are taking before your surgery is important. Two months later? No problem. Congratulations on the facelift!

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

It is completely safe to take Vitamin E or any other supplement two months after surgery.  I have my patients avoid those medications as well as Aspirin, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as advil) and Omega-3's two weeks before surgery and for only two weeks afterwards.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

Patients are limited to the types of supplements and medicine that can be taken before and right after surgery because of the possibility of blood not clotting the way it is supposed to. That being said you should be fine to start your normal medications regimen.

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