I'm about to have breast augmentation but I have a cold. Can I take vitamin c to help recover?

Question

hi I am having breast augmentation surgery on Thursday ( 6 days away ) a week ago I got sick , cold sore throat, but now, no coughing , no sore throat but I am stuffy nose and congested, and I did not take any medicine, what can I do to make it better , can I take vitamin c ?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can take vitamin C. More importantly you will need to contact your surgeon's office and let them know you are sick to ensure it is appropriate to go forth with the operation. Best,

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you are in the recovery phase of an upper respiratory infection, and from your comments, it sounds more like a virus than a bacteria.  It sounds like your body is responding appropriately to the virus.  I, like everyone else, has heard that Vitamin C is good to improve your body's speed of recovery.  At this stage of recovery from an upper respiratory infection, is it okay to have a breast augmentation.  I believe that is the secondary question I am hearing.  It has been my experience through literally thousands of breast augmentations that your surgery and its outcome should not be compromised by your physiologic state of recovery. That being said, at this point, you should call your Board Certified plastic surgeon to see what his or her policy is on this often asked question.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Yes, you can take vitamin C, but it is safer to be free of any cold prior to surgery. Your surgery may need to be postponed, so please tell your surgeon as soon as possible.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You should call your surgeon's office right away.  With six days to go before surgery, you should have time to get over the cold, but you need to discuss what you can do with your surgeon.  Most importantly, you need to avoid taking anything that has aspirin in it.

George Volpe, MD · Answer

If one has a cold prior to surgery it is best to notify both your surgeon and your anesthesiologist so that you can describe your symptoms and be examined. That does not necessarily mean that your surgery will be canceled but if there is any question of a bacterial infection or pneumonia or other, there exists that possibility. Vitamin C is a superb antioxidant and is commonly used with certain plastic surgeries to improve healing although there is no evidence with straightforward breast augmentation that there is a benefit. It also does not appear to be a cure for the common cold.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear cupcake,    Sorry to confuse you, but, unlike the previous comments, my policy in regard to Vit C is that, it is on the list of foods and meds to avoid 1-2 weeks before surgery. Vit C is considered blood thinner, so obviously, you should not take it before surgery and 1-2 weeks after surgery. Moreover, it is more of a myth than science concerning the healing from cold. Drink lots of decaffeinated tea, keep warm and rest , so your body will heal faster. I, also , place my patient on antibiotic in order to prevent the viral infection to convert into bacterial bronchitis. Call your surgeon and get his opinion as well. Always, consult with board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety.  Most importantly, check the before and after pictures to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive.                    Best of luck,                                  Dr Widder

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns prior to your day of surgery. Generally speaking, patients undergoing elective surgery should be at their optimal (or close to) level of health prior to proceeding. It is especially important that there be no compromise of pulmonary function or active source of infection present.
Your plastic surgeon will be the only relevant resource when it comes to determining what you should take and your ability to proceed at this time.
Best wishes.

Joanne Lopes, MD · Answer

If you are scheduled for cosmetic  surgery and have a virus such as a cold it is important to notify your surgeon . Depending on your symptoms he or she will determine a possible treatment plan ie; medications, evaluation,or possible postponement of your operation.Generally speaking Vitamen C can be taken and is not prohibited for surgery.However, There are other supplements that are not recommended and it is best to discuss this with your physician.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question, I don't see any harm at all taking Vit C prior your surgery, but you definetly need to contact your PS and Anesthesiologyst in order to check with them what kind of flu and what would you need to do. Good luck and get wellRespectfully,Dr. Jaime Campos-Leon

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and you can absolutely take Vitamen C but inform your surgeon about your condtionDr Corbin

I'm about to have breast augmentation but I have a cold. Can I take vitamin c to help recover?

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