What can I take before a tummy tuck and what should I not take?

Generally we want our patients to eat healthy, but to avoid anything that will thin the blood to cause increase bleeding or oozing during and after surgery.  Two weeks before the surgery, my patients are instructed to follow a strict regimen to avoid aspirin, motrin, ibuprofen, aleve and any other medications that will cause increase risk of bleeding.  In addition, I give may patients a list of various supplements and foods they should not ingest as well.  Fish oil, vitamin E, herbal supplements and herbal teas, antioxidants, and foods like tomatoes, berries, certain fruits all will potentially cause more bleeding and bruising with surgery.

Thank you for bringing up a very important question. More and more, people are taking different types of supplements as a part of their daily routine. It is very important to acknowledge that many of these products, though natural, have a very strong effect on the body. Supplements may cause bleeding, problems with anesthesia, etc. and must be considered in the pre-and postoperative period.  I recommend that my patients generally stop most supplements two – four weeks before surgery. I carefully go over the entire list of products if they're taking to ensure that they are safe for surgery. Things that I will allow patients to continue taking before surgery include a multivitamin, Arnica/bromelin, But not much else. It is critical to avoid things like vitamin E, fish oil, anti-inflammatories and many other supplements and medications.It is critical that you speak with your plastic surgeon to discuss what their recommendations are. Below, I have attached a link to an articleI wrote on the use of herbal supplements in cosmetic surgery and the effects these products may have on the body during and after surgery.I wish you the best.Dr. Gabbay

Your surgeon will most likely advise you on this. I give my patients a booklet full of information for their pre operative and post operative instructions. You will probably find out that it is advised that you take a good quality multi-vitamin, but check to make sure it does not have vitamin E as it is a blood thinner, and all blood thinners should be avoided 2 weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Good luck!

I appreciate your question.I have a list that I review with my patientsPlease speak to your doctor about thisThe best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Vitamins and herbal supplements (less so than vitamins) will likely be more helpful in the postoperative period than preoperatively.  A multivitamin that includes iron will be helpful preoperatively, but there are many herbal supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding during and immediately after surgery, so I generally have my patients avoid most herbal supplements for at least a week prior to surgery.  Your plastic surgeon may even have a specific list of herbal supplements he or she wishes you to avoid.  Best of luck with your surgery!