Can I still have surgery if I used vitamin E lotion or soaps?

Question

I am having a breast reduction in about a week. My paperwork said to stop taking any and all products that contain aspirin or vitamin E. Which I did. However, i did not realize my lotions and soaps contain vitamin e. Can i still have surgery since i did not consume any vitamin e

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. Vitamin E lotions and soaps do not usually get absorbed enough to “thin the blood”, the reason for which stopping of Vitamin E by mouth, is recommended before surgery.  So you can change your lotions and soaps if you wish, and go ahead with the surgery, but do not take any oral vitamin E. please do let your surgeon know, of course, and follow his/her advice. All the best!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Thriving467664,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Yes, you can still have breast reduction surgery if you’ve used products containing vitamin E, like lotions or soaps. However, it’s generally recommended to stop using any topical vitamin E directly on your breasts about two weeks before surgery. Some surgeons advise this because, in high amounts, vitamin E might interfere with blood clotting and slightly increase bleeding risk.
During your pre-surgery consultation, be sure to mention any products you're using. Your plastic surgeon will give you specific pre-op instructions, including which products to avoid temporarily.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Yes, you can still have surgery.  I believe your paperwork is referring to consumed vitamin E.  Too much of consumed vitamin E can thin the blood and cause bleeding and bruising or in worse cases post surgical hematoma.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, since your skin does not absorb that much. Just avoid using any more of these products with vitamin E.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's always best to discuss your concerns with your surgeon, however it should be fine to continue with surgery despite using lotion and soaps that contain Vitamin E.  Good luck with your procedure!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Using topical products with vitamin E most likely will not affect your surgery outcome. I suggest you discuss with your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD.

Can I still have surgery if I used vitamin E lotion or soaps?

Answers (7)

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