Can One Safely Take Fish Oil and EFA Pre and Post Op Facelift?

These have been found to increase bruising and bleeding. Better to avoid them but you should ask your surgeon for their advice.

Fish Oil & EFA Prior to Surgery - You
cannot take Fish Oil or EFA before surgery as it enhances bruising
significantly.

   Fish oil should probably be discontinued 2 weeks prior to facelift.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Short answer: NO !

Omega 3 fats (e.g. fish oil, EFA, flax seed oil, Krill oil), NSAID's (aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn), Vitamin E, "blood thinners"  and a whole host of supplements and medicines can cause excessive bleeding and bruising and therefore increase your recovery time. When in doubt stay away from supplements unless they are designed for surgery. I  offer to my patients specific supplements that speed healing, reduce swelling, bruising and in some cases minimize discomfort (for example Bromelain,  Arnica Montanum, and Vitamins designed for surgery.These are available through our office so if you are having problems finding them give us a call .

Bottom Line: Certain vitamins and minerals can speed healing others can cause problems and slow the process down or cause complications. If healing is going well I usually let my patients go back to their usual regimen of supplements.

In my cosmetic surgery practice in New York, I ask my patients to stop taking fish oils before surgery. Your doctor can provide you with a list of medications and supplements to avoid before having a facelift.