How Long Prior to Breast Reduction Surgery Would You Roccomend Your Patient to Be off a Weight Loss/appetite Suppressant Med Lik

Thank you for your question.  You must discontinue weight loss supplements such as phentermine 2-6 weeks before surgery.  Ask your surgeon for his recommendations when to stop.  

At my Austin, Texas plastic surgery practice I ask that patients refrain from taking any type of diet pill for at least 2-3 weeks before and after surgery.  Thanks, Dr. Kerr

Hi there-

The answer will depend a bit on exactly which medication you are taking, but generally speaking you should be off of these medications for at least one week, and the longer the better.

Your best bet is to talk to your surgeon about his preferences and which exact medication it is.

Most weight loss/appetite supressants are based on Phentermine.  You must be off Phentermine and similar supplements for at least one--and preferably two or more--weeks prior to any general anesthetic.  

Why?  Phentermine acts by causing release of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), which "rev up" the heart in the same way that any major stress will do.  Since a general anesthetic and surgery also represent a major stress, use of phentermine at the time of surgery may be dangerous.  Phentermine may interfere with your ability to increase your heart rate in response to the stress of surgery, since you will have already depleted your catecholamines.

Generally, I ask my patients to be off all weight loss supplements for 2-4 weeks prior  to surgery and for at least that long after surgery. Your own  surgeon will guide you as to his or her preferences. Concerns are interactions with anesthesia and healing after surgery. 

Best of luck to you