Why no vitamin E before surgery? How long before should I stop?

Question

I thought taking the vitamin E was good to help your skin bounce back from trauma of surgery etc. Why should I stop taking it before surgery? What happens, how does the vital E cause problems? And how long before my procedure should I stop?

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  Vitamin E prevents your blood from clotting like it is suppose to which can lead to increased bleeding and bruising.  With surgery, you are disrupting blood vessels and if they cannot clot and stop bleeding like they normally do, you can end up with a blood collection called a hematoma that will need to be drained.  Also it makes the surgery more difficult to perform.  This will all end up delaying your healing time and cause any bruising to last longer.  I generally tell patients to stop taking Vitamin E 1-2 weeks before surgery. Good luck and hope this information helps!  - Dr. Roger Tsai

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there and thanks for your question!  Supplements such as Vitamin E or fish oil can increase your risk of bleeding during and after surgery.  Increased bleeding after surgery can lead to the formation of a hematoma and increased risk of swelling/bruising.  I recommend stopping any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, motrin, advil, fish oil, and vitamin E for 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after surgery.  Each surgeon differs in their pre and post op protocol. I suggest speaking to your doctor in advance to ensure a smooth recovery. Hope this helps and best of luck!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Vitamin and some other herbal medicines can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding, although not nearly to the extent that aspirin does.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Medications such as vitamins E and Fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. This can result in complications such as hematoma. I generally recommend that my patients stop such medications for about two weeks prior to their operation.It is important to realize that herbs and supplements can be as strong as prescription medication with regard to side effects.  You should discuss all medications, herbs and supplements that you are taking with your physician to plan accordingly for surgery. Of course, it is critical that you use a surgeon who certified by the American Board of plastic surgery.The link below summarizes a paper I wrote on the use of herbs and supplements in plastic surgery. I hope it is useful to you.I wish you the best,Dr. Gabbay.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Your Plastic Surgeon will likely give you a list of medications and supplements to avoid before and immediately after surgery because they can lead to bleeding. They should provide you with a clear timeline and instructions regarding this. If you are unclear about the safety of any substance in the weeks leading up to surgery, you may also ask a pharmacist.All the best

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Vitamin use prior to surgery has a theoretic association with increased risk of bleeding. I don't require patients to stop taking vitamins prior to surgery, but every surgeon has their own preference. I do have patients stop taking fish oil, garlic, and other herbal supplements. I also have them stop taking high amounts of vitamin D.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson Richards (Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)

John J. O'Brien, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. The concern with taking vitamin E has to do with thinning of your blood and bleeding following your surgery. We generally recommend that patients stop this for approximately one week prior to the procedure. There are also many other medications including homeopathic medications the patient's are urged to stop at that same time. I would recommend you discuss all of this with your treating plastic surgeon with an in person  consultation. Best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question.  It is recommended to stop Vitamin E usage before surgery as it can thin your blood.  I would ask patients to refrain from taking oral Vitamin E for 7-10 days before surgery to prevent this from occurring.  Hope this helps.

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your great question.  Vitamin E is a blood thinner and therefore not recommended prior to surgery.  We have our patients refrain from using this, even in a multi vitamin, for 4 weeks before surgery.  We give our surgical patients quite an extensive list of medications, prescribed and homeopathic to avoid before surgery.  However, after surgery you can resume taking vitamin E.  Each surgeon has their own protocol, so be sure to ask your surgeon what he or she recommends.

Emese Kalnoki, MD · Answer

Vitamin E taken orally can cause increased bleeding during and after surgery.  For this reason, it is usually stopped 2 weeks prior to any procedure.  Postoperatively, it can be resumed after an appropriate time.  Vitamin E can be beneficial for wound healing, so eating a healthy diet is important.  For scars, though, topically applied medical grade silicone is the best.  Foods rich in Vit E are nuts, seeds, and avocados.  Follow the instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon.  He or she will be able to answer your questions more specifically.

Why no vitamin E before surgery? How long before should I stop?

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