When is it safe to resume herbal supplements after breast augmentation?

Question

I am just over 2 weeks post op BA and wondered when it is considered safe to start taking herbal & vitamin supplements again? I know some can interfere with your blood, etc. I was thinking of taking a general multivitamin and some Burdock Root as it is a natural diuretic and helps cleanse toxins out of the body. Would this be safe or should I wait longer?

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate
your question.I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way
to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a
board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I don't think that it would be a problem to resume your supplements, but definitely run it by your surgeon first since he or she knows your case intimately. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree that after 2 weeks it is fine to return to taking vitamins and herbal supplements. It is still good to check with your plastic surgeon as well, but, in general, it is fine to resume that things at 2 weeks after breast augmentation.  Good luck!

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

Most of the restrictions with herbal supplements relate to the days to weeks leading up to the surgery and the immediate postoperative period.  Vitamin E supplementation for example can affect a patient's clotting mechanism leaving patients more prone to bleeding.  In general, I think most surgeons would agree that you can resume taking these items two-three weeks after surgery.  Of course, the most important person to ask is your own surgeon who may have his or her own protocols depending on the specific supplement(s).  Hope this helps!

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.While I personally don't have an issue resuming those types of supplements two weeks after a breast augmentation, every doctor has different postoperative protocols.  I recommend contacting your surgeon's office and see what their preference is.  Best of luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I personally would have no issue with resumption of herbal supplements, although they have no health benefits, immediately after breast augmentation. However, your instructions should come from your own surgeon.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Really, the best person to answer this question is your surgeon, and you should simply call his/her office to get the quick "go ahead ".Two weeks out from breast augmentation should be fine to resume any sort of preop herbals or medications as any potential bleeding vessels should have clotted and healed at this point.  But, again, your surgeon Dozier history, your case, and is only one who appropriately should dictate your postoperative medications.  Call him/her, I'm sure they would be happy to discuss.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Omega 3 fats (e.g. fish oil, EFA, flax seed oil, Krill oil), NSAID's (aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn), Vitamin E, "blood thinners"  and a whole host of supplements and medicines can cause excessive bleeding and bruising and therefore increase your recovery time. When in doubt stay away from supplements unless they are designed for surgery. I  offer to my patients specific supplements that speed healing, reduce swelling, bruising and in some cases minimize discomfort (for example Bromelain,  Arnica Montanum, and Vitamins designed for surgery.Bottom Line: Certain vitamins and minerals can speed healing others can cause problems and slow the process down or cause complications. If healing is going well I usually let my patients go back to their usual regimen of supplementsCheck with your doctor as only your doctor would have access to your medical history and what would be best for you.

F. True Lansden, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I can see no harm in taking a multi-vitamin or an herbal supplement at this time.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question.  At 2 weeks, you should be fine in taking supplements but best to let your surgeon know about it and get his/her approval.  Best of luck, Dr. Michael Omidi.

When is it safe to resume herbal supplements after breast augmentation?

Answers (15)

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