Are there any medications that should be avoided before surgery?

Question

Are there any medications that should be avoided before surgery ? I am having breast reduction surgery later this month.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

You should avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ecotrin, Bufferin, Excedrin, Anacin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Nuprin, Aleve, and any prescription NSAID unless specifically OK'd by your doctor) as well as Vitamins E, D, and A (they inhibit absorption of Vitamin K, which is needed for proper healing and sealing of injured blood vessels), herbal medications, and Omega 3's (see Vitamin K absorption above).Tylenol, by the way, is OK, as it does not interfere with proper vessel sealing like most of the others do.Avoid appetite suppressants (even over the counter ones) as they can interfere with anesthesia drugs. Also stimulants like Ritalin and Adderal, and certain other medications (ask if you are not sure) should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery.Avoid tobacco or any kind of nicotine (including second-hand smoke) for a minimum of two weeks before and after surgery to avoid dead skin and major problems.Obviously, abstain from alcohol or marijuana (or other illegal drugs) before surgery. Be honest with your anesthesia provider or surgeon if you have used these drugs, for it makes a difference with your anesthesia protocols.If you take prescription medications, review this list with your surgeon and/or anesthesia provider to make sure they are compatible with your anticipated surgery. Be safe--the time to discuss these things is indeed now, not the day before surgery! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Online sources of medical information should always be considered secondary to the advice you get from your personal surgeon.  Without knowledge of your complete medical history, it is impossible to give you accurate advice about medications before surgery.  If you don't trust the advice you getting from your surgeon, you should find another surgeon!

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

Medications that cause increase bleeding, such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen should be avoided before surgery. We have a list of medications to avoid prior to surgery which we give to our patients- it includes some herbs and supplements, and even some antidepressants. If you have high blood pressure or are diabetic you may need to adjust your medications prior to surgery. I would recommend checking with your surgeon.

Mahsa Moghaddam Smoot, MD · Answer

The are many medications that should be avoided before surgery and to list them individually would result in a long, tedious and probably confusing email. If you are currently taking prescription medications and/or if you are routinely taking over the counter medications and herbal supplements, discuss with your plastic surgeon whether you should discontinue taking any of these medicines before surgery. Some medications need to be stopped at least two weeks before surgery to decrease the risk of potential complications associated with a breast reduction. As a general rule of thumb, blood thinners, aspirin and ibuprofen containing products should be discontinued two weeks before surgery. Best of luck with your upcoming surgery!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In general, any medications that can cause bleeding like aspirin or NSAID's should be avoided. Always best to review with your doctor.

Are there any medications that should be avoided before surgery?

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