Should I Stop Taking Supplements (Eg. Fish Oil, Ubiquinol) After Ultherapy?

Question

I had Ultherapy a few days ago. I have been taking omega-3-rich fish oil supplements for a few months, as well as ubiquinol (CoQ10), green tea, and magnesium, all of which are said to have some anti-inflammatory effects. I realize no studies have been done on their effects on Ultherapy results, but in your opinion, should I discontinue taking these supplements in the next 6 months, to avoid potentially decreasing Ultherapy's lifting/ tightening effects? Thanks very much.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I encourage patients to take Vitamin C supplements after their Ultherapy to encourage collagen formation.  We have seen excellent results with Ulthera in our Los Angeles office. 

	Raffy Karamanoukian, MD FACS

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I am not aware of any studies investigating antioxidants as having a negative effect on the collagen production after Ultherapy non invasive facial skin tightening. Many of our patients take such antioxidants and we have seen very good results from Ultherapy regardless.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

You will still see the benefits of Ultherapy regardless of if you've taken anti-inflammatory supplements. You should have no issues continuing as you have been.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is common for cosmetic providers to recommend discontinuation of all supplements prior to invasive and non invasive procedures. However, I don't think that it is necessary to stop those before Ultherapy. The most likley areas of bruising are near the corners of the mouth and even if bruising occurs, it goes away within a week. The prudent thing to do is to stop aspirin, plavix and coumadin (warfarin) before Ultherapy.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

There are no studies to suggest that anti inflammatories decrease the effect of Ulthera but some docs suggest not taking them after the procedure. The risk they say is that the healing process is subdued and therefore you are not getting the full effect of the treatment. I think this idea started with Thermage as an excuse when they weren't seeing results. I don't tell my patients to stop these supplements.

Should I Stop Taking Supplements (Eg. Fish Oil, Ubiquinol) After Ultherapy?

Answers (5)