Is turmeric a natural healer after breast augmentation? I heard that turmeric can make for a speedy recovery!

For our breast augmentation patients, we tell them to be off their herbal supplements for around 1 week prior to surgery. There are some herbals, like tumeric, that may actually cause bleeding problems during surgery. Patients can usually resume these types of meds around a week after surgery, assuming normal healing. It is best to follow the advice of your board certified plastic surgeon. 

Hello and thank you for your question. Turmeric and many other herbal remedies are proposed to decrease inflammation after surgery. Having said that, there is no strong scientific evidence behind this and some of the herbal supplements can actually increase the bleeding risk post op. You should talk to  your plastic surgeon about this. Best,

Pejman Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Dear  Slim 2.0,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dear Slim 2.0,Thank you for your question. Turmeric has been used in India for over one thousand years due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. That being said, it high doses it can cause increased bleeding. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more...most surgeons (including myself) will have you hold all herbal medications before and immediately after surgery.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.

o   Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

o   Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

o   RealSelf Top Doctor

Hi!
Interesting question! Turmeric used as a spice in food is relatively small quantities and should not have a big effect, but as a supplement and used in bigger quantities can actually cause more bleeding. Have a chat to your surgeon and see what is the best way forward.
All the best!

Many of my patients use Bromelain and Arnica to lessen bruising after surgery.  Tumeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.  You should talk about your desire to take turmeric with your board certified PS before using it if you are on medications for blood clotting or have bleeding disorders in order to determine if turmeric is the right choice for you.  You may need to stop taking turmeric at least two weeks before surgery to avoid extra bleeding during and after surgery.

In our office we recommend patients stop all herbal medications two weeks prior to surgery and resume them one week after surgery. Some herbals can increase bleeding which could lead to surgical complications. I would reach out to your board certified plastic surgeon for their specific recommendations on herbal supplements.

Turmeric is a very useful herb, but not around surgery because it does tend to thin the blood and may increase bleeding. I ask my patients to hold off taking herbs two weeks prior to surgery and for a week after to minimize the risk of bleeding.

Turmeric is a popular holistic treatment for inflammation and some people swear by it for chronic conditions like arthritis.  Having surgery, in particular breast augmentation surgery ,is a short procedure and short recovery that typically does not require extra naturopathic treatment.  As you are probably aware, any anti-inflammatory like aspirin or turmeric can increase your propensity to bleed during and after surgery.  If this bleeding occurs after surgery, it could require a trip back to the operating room.  So my advice on breast augmentation surgery, that is for most patients a 48-72 hour recovery, is to leave well enough alone and only take the medications your physician advises. As always a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon should allow you the opportunity to have all off your questions concerning this procedure answered.