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

Question

What vitamins or herbal supplements can I take before surgery to help healing and what should I stop avoid?

Samuel Shatkin, Jr., MD · Answer

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.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

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

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

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!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

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!

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

We provide a very detailed list of medications to avoid or take prior to surgery.   Basically we recommend avoiding any medication that causes bleeding or bruising.  Also, we conservatively do not recommend use of any supplements or herbals that are not fully studied. All the best.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon will likely provide you with a full list of "do's and don'ts"; this is often done during the preoperative visit. Best wishes.

Mark Deutsch, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a very important question as you do not want to take any meds that can increase your chances of excessive bleeding. This would include herbal meds, aspirin, ibuprofen and certain vitamin supplements. It is best that you discuss this with your surgeon prior to surgery.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. I ask my patients to eat healthy and increase their intake of vitamin C. It is also important that if they smoke, stop smoking at least 1 month prior to their operation. Avoid herbal supplements, vitamin E, aspirin and NSAID type products at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Best of luck.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, KatieSousa.  It is great that you are getting ready for tummy tuck.  I recommend my patients to multi-vitamin with higher concentration of Vit C.  I provide Arnica pills to be started couple days before the surgery.  I ask them to stop NSAIDs two weeks prior to surgery date and to avoid Vit E and fish oil.  Be healthy and do not smoke.  Check with your plastic surgeon for his/her recommendation.  Best wishes.

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