Hemaplex pills: Why are we asked to take these supplements a month before surgery if vitamin e intake can be a risk?

Every PS will have his/her own pre-op and post-op checklist of things to avoid and things to optimize your condition prior to surgery including treating anemia.  Hema-Plex supports blood health by delivering iron, Vitamin C to assist iron uptake, B Complex, and Folate. Taking Hema-Plex along with eating dark leafy veggies, liver, lentils, almonds, dried apricots, beets, and other high iron foods will also help to elevate the level. I do not recommend that my patients take Hema-Plex. Vitamin E should be stopped for 2 weeks before and for 2 weeks after the surgery due to presumed increased bleeding risk.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Dear mztirado,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I don't know why but it seems like doctors from the Dominican republic same big on ordering blood tests on otherwise healthy young people as well as stuffing them full of iron supplements before the procedure.  Some people have iron deficiency-based anemia and taking iron for an extended period of time can raise their red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.  It should be stated that unless someone specifically is iron deficient then adding iron does not affect hemoglobin or red blood cell counts.  I'm guessing you'll be traveling for your procedure.  I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to stay local for elective surgical procedures. People do not appreciate the importance of aftercare, the complications actually do happen as well as the number of people who have issues or need revisions after these procedures.  posting on real self in a state of fear and anxiety after surgery is a poor substitute for proper aftercare.  I could be wrong but this seems to be a frequent topic and scenario.  Best, Mats Hagstrom MD