Can you drink green tea before surgery?

I advise my patients to avoid anything that could thin their blood for at least two weeks before surgery. The reason you want to avoid them is to cut down on bleeding and subsequent bruising. Give your surgeon a call. If he or she thinks it’s too risky, you’ll simply reschedule the surgery. I hope this helps.

We typically have patients avoid green tea and other dietary substances, supplements, and medications that can thin the blood for at least 1 week before surgery.  You should talk to your surgeon's office to determine whether this will impact their decision to proceed with surgery.Hope that helps and best wishes,Dr. Donath

Thank you for your question.  Although pre-operative instructions do vary from one plastic surgeon to another, I do not advise my patients to refrain from drinking green tea.  I do, however, advise my patients to refrain from Asprin and Ibuprophen products to decrease bruising and bleeding.  Best of luck.

The simple answer is the longer the better.   However, 2 weeks is usually sufficient.  Green tea has a mild anticoagulant effect which is beneficial in everyday life but not helpful in terms of surgery.  

Thank you for your question.  I ask my patient to stop taking any herbal medication 10 days before surgery.  This is because some herbal medication has blood thinning components which can make you bleed more in surgery.  If you can stop it would be beneficial however drinking in moderation should be fine.  All The Best 

I have my patient avoid green tea as it may decrease your ability to form an adequate blood clot, causing excessive bleeding and bruising. The also includes fish oil, flack seed oil, aspirin, Advil, any anti-inflammatory, garlic, vitamin E, and herbs for two weeks minimum.Thank you for your question, and good luck. 

Thank you for your question. This is based on the surgeon's preference. Typically, I require my patients stop Green Tea or any type of herbal teas at least 7 days prior. I would call and ask your surgeon what their preference is. Hope this helps! Best of luck!

I ask my patients to discontinue all herbal compounds and supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery to because of concerns for bleeding.

Akeyna, I have never had a patient ask me that question but I would check with your surgeon.  I doubt in moderation this would have any effect on your surgery unless you were taking other supplements with it.  Good Luck, Dr. Schuster in Boca Raton

Thank you for your question. Be sure to speak with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about any medications or supplements you may be taking as some may have unwanted side effects and lead to complications. Sincerely,Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach FL