What supplements should be avoided before a procedure?

This is a very important question and one that will be addressed by your surgeon. For my patients I give them an extensive list of what to avoid. All supplements and medications that thin the blood need to be avoided for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. There are too many to list here, but I have my patients bring in a list to review with them and I can let them know which ones need to be avoided. Take a list to your surgeon! Good luck.

In general, you should discontinue all herbs and medications that thin your blood at least two weeks before and 10 days after surgery. A partial list includes NSAIDs, ginger, garlic, and St. John’s Wort. You also need to avoid medications that interfere with anesthesia. Your facial plastic surgeon will provide you with a complete list during your consultation. If, for some reason, this step was neglected, just call your surgeon’s office and I’m sure they’ll happily provide you with a complete list. I hope this helps.

Prior to any procedure in our clinic, we advise patients to stop any blood thinning medications two weeks before and after surgery. Many supplements do thin the blood ( ie: Fish oil, omegas, melatonin, Vit. E, turmeric and many more).  Commonly used over the counter (OTC) medications that we have patients stop include NSAID's (ibuprofen, motrin, excedrine, aleve, etc.)
Please contact your physician for their medication recommendations
** do not stop any aspirin or blood thinning medications (such as xarelto or coumadin) without guidance from a medical professional **

Hello Akeyna,This is a great question and kudo's to you for doing your due diligence.  I provide my patients with an extensive list of vitamins and herbal supplements to avoid that may make them more prone to bleeding or bruising.  Common culprits are Vitamin E, Fish oil or Omega3 supplements, glucosamine, garlic, but the list is much more extensive than this.  For over the counter medicines, anything containing aspirin or NSAID's (ibuprofen, advil, aleve, etc.).  Tylenol does not affect your blood clotting, so it is safe to take perioperative for aches and pains.  Ask your surgeon what you need to discontinue.  Good luck with your procedure!   I hope this is helpful.
All my best!  Dr. Elizabeth
AtlantaFaceAndBody.com
"This answer was solicited without seeing the person, and should not be construed as medical advice."

In addition to Dr. Walker's list, bilberry and
high doses of vitamin C could affect clotting.
Because we do not know all potential offenders
I found easier to stop all optional supplements 
2 weeks before surgery and resume 2 weeks 
after surgery. Best wishes.

Any medications with possible blood-thinning effects should be avoided prior to a procedure as long as it's medically safe to be off those medications (always check with your prescriber). The commonly used blood thinners are:1. Aspirin, baby aspirin, or aspirin-containing medications

2. other NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, etc.)

3. Fish oil

4. Omega-3

5. Vitamin E

6. Ginkgo biloba

7. Ginseng

8. St. John’s wort

9. Echinacea

10. Ephedra

11. Kava

12. Valerian

13. Coumadin or warfarin

14. Heparin

15. other herbals, dietary supplements, or medications that are known to be blood thinners

You should make sure you report all supplements, vitamins, and medications to your surgeon prior to surgery.  Many medications may complicate your experience with anesthesia.  Many other supplements and vitamins may thin your blood, complicating the procedure itself. Examples include gingko biloba, vitamin E, garlic, among others.

Thank you for your question. This is a great question and should definitely be addressed by your plastic surgeon or his/her assistant prior to surgery. I typically recommend all of my patients discontinue any supplements containing any type of fish oils, vitamin E, CoQ10, Omega 3,6,9's, multivitamins, Advil, Aleve, and herbal teas to name a few. The office should have a list. My patients discontinue these items 7 to 10 days prior to procedure to avoid prolonged bruising and swelling due to blood loss, as most of these things contain blood thinning agents in them. Best of luck!

Good afternoon and thank you for your question,I typically ask my patients to discontinue use of all supplements at least one week before the procedure. You can continue them after another two weeks of healing but we do not want any complications to arise due to a supplement affecting the way the body can take and heal from the procedure.Thanks and have a nice day.

In our practice, we ask patients to get off of all supplements prior to surgery since some of those supplements can interfere with anesthesia and bleeding. Best to check with your operative surgeon.