Is vitamin C good for rhinoplasty?

Question

Hello , i am considering a rhinoplasty in 2 months. So i am gathering all the info i can get . 1. some people double the dosage of vit C up to 3000mg per day during after operation. Is that true can heal faster because of it? 2. I heard pine apple juice is good for reducing swelling, if its true how much can you drink ? Thanks :)

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Hi there, Vitamin C supplements after rhinoplasty are a complete waste of time. 
Essentially, if you have a normal diet, you'll not be vitamin C deficient. If through diet or illness you are vitamin deficient, then you're not suitable for any surgery - you have a health issue, and addressing it is what you need to be doing, not having elective surgery.
If you're in good health, then you don't need supplemental vitamin C.
Same goes for pineapple juice. Really, it's just a sugary drink. A glass per day is fine, and you can have more if you want, but essentially beyond a small amount you're just loading yourself with unnecessary sugar. You're much better off to eat a portion of pineapple per day than have pineapple juice, and the same goes for all fruit. Juices concentrate the sugar, and remove the fibre. 
Too much water soluble vitamin intake means you just excrete the excess, you don't store it. So a little vitamin each day is all your body needs. Not a lot.
You can google the water soluble vitamins, which you don't store, the fat soluble vitamins which you do, and the minerals you need for good wound healing and health. People with normal health and diets don't need supplements of these.
Good luck,
Howard Webster
Plastic Surgeon

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Aldrx, Taking large amounts of vitamin C before surgery can cause excess bleeding. I have my patients take 500mg Vitamin C three times a day for five days before surgery. As far as post operative recovery many patients will eat fresh pineapple and papaya for their abilities to help reduce swelling and bruising. Many patients will use arnica either by mouth or topically. You can see my extensive video library below where the patients are having their splints removed on day seven post surgery to see the varying degrees of expected swelling and bruising. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Juris Bunkis, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

If you take any medication in the two weeks prior to any surgery, you will swell more, bleed more, take longer to heal.   I am not aware that taking extra Vitamin C or any other substance can actually expedite your recovery.

Is vitamin C good for rhinoplasty?

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Is vitamin C good for rhinoplasty?

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