Cosmetic Botox and herbal supplements

Question

Can you take on a daily basis cod liver oil, wheatgrass, spiralina and chlorella tablets if you have cosmetic Botox and juvaderm injections?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

The only risk of taking herbal supplements is that you can increase your risk of bruising and swelling.  It does not however effect the treatment outcome.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Generally, the risk with herbal medications or supplements is increased bruising and swelling with Botox or Juvaderm injections. To minimize this risk, plastic surgeons and dermatologist will recommend avoiding these for at least one week before treatment. Best,Dr. Chaboki

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

In my opinion, all these supplements are at best a waste of money and at worst potentially hazardous to your health since we have no idea what is really in them. Besides, if all these supplements are working to keep you healthy and young then why counter them by having toxins and synthetic products injected into your face? I would strongly advise against the supplements if you are having injections done as many of these supplements cause thinning of blood.

Millicent Odunze Geers, MD, MPH · Answer

It's not whether you can take daily herbal supplements, but moreso how will taking those supplements affect your result. Some supplements are blood thinners. If you receive injections while on blood thinners, there is an increased risk of bruising and swelling. This will prolong your healing and be a telltale sign that "something" occurred. I advise my patients to stop blood thinning herbal supplements 10-14 days before their anticipated injections and for a one week after. 17-21 days of forgoing herbal supplements that cause blood thinning is likely not going to do undo all of the good from the 344+ days you are taking them.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

AS a physician we know the the FDA regulates all meds and we can look up any interactions that can develop from this.  As far as supplements go, this is not the case.  So hard to say.  I tell patients to avoid these supplements when getting treatment.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Supplements pose great frustration to physicians because they are not FDA regulated meaning that the strength of what is in those pills and liquids is anyone's guess.  Fish oil has been implicated in bruising. I would recommend abstaining from these tablets for two weeks before and at least a week after any procedure.

Walton Montegut, MD · Answer

As with any procedure , it is often best to discontinue use of any supplements and/  or medications that prolong bleeding time at least 10 days before your appointment . Because supplements are often a combination of nutrients, minerals, etc., I would  advise you to just discontinue their use 2 weeks prior to any injection .

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! A number of herbal supplements are believed to lead to bruising post-injection. Because herbal supplements are not studied by the FDA, you should disclose all of the medications and supplements you take with your health care provider prior to receiving treatment to understand best practices for bruise prevention, safety, and ideal patient outcomes. I hope this is helpful to you!Be well,Dr. Todd Hobgood, MDtoddhobgood.com

John Harbison, MD · Answer

Taking supplements can have a positive impact on health, but there are a number that can be mild blood thinners, which may predispose to more bruising.  Fish oil (or cod liver oil) is a common supplement known to have this effect. I think it is generally still safe to have injections while taking the supplements, just as long as you keep in mind that you have a slightly higher risk of bruising while on them.  I would say the risk would be lower with Botox than with filler injections, as fillers tend to have the needle (or cannula) introduced through a greater amount of tissue.

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. A number of herbal supplements can contribute to bruising following cosmetic procedures including cod liver oil. Be sure to share all this with your provider, but you may want to hold off of all of these for at least a week in advance of your treatments. For more on bruising from facial procedures, check out my blog!

Cosmetic Botox and herbal supplements

Answers (12)

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