Can I Take Vitamin C and Other Supplement Before and After Surgery?

I always instruct my patients to discontinue all multi-vitamins, aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements at least 3 weeks before surgery.  Vitamin C is ok to take but not necessary.  Some vitamins, especially vitamin E, are blood thinners and definitely should not be taken before and right after surgery.  You will increase your chances of excessive bleeding, problems with clotting, and this could lead to a hematoma.  I am a big believer in arnica montana to reduce bruising and swelling after surgery.  This is the only herbal supplement you should take before and after surgery.  Some offices carry a medical grade version of arnica montana called SinEcch which works very well.  Your surgeon should provide you with a complete list of medications to avoid as well as discuss what medications you are currently taking to be sure none need to be stopped.  If he/she doesn't provide you with a list, ask for one. 

Thank you for your question.
In my practice, I always recommend my patients to suspend all multi-vitamins, aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements at least 3 weeks before surgery. Many of those on the list will interfere with blood clotting.

Vitamin C is usually not on such a list but not necessary anyway.

Omega 3 fats (e.g. fish oil, EFA, flax seed oil, Krill oil), NSAID's (aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn), Vitamin E, "blood thinners" and a whole host of supplements and medicines can cause excessive bleeding and bruising and therefore increase your recovery time. When in doubt stay away from supplements unless they are designed for surgery. I offer to my patients specific supplements that speed healing, reduce swelling, bruising and in some cases minimize discomfort (for example Bromelain, Arnica Montanum, and Vitamins designed for surgery.Bottom Line: Certain vitamins and minerals can speed healing others can cause problems and slow the process down or cause complications. If healing is going well I usually let my patients go back to their usual regimen of supplementsCheck with your doctor as only your doctor would have access to your medical history and what would be best for you. We typically allow our patients to continue their supplements 10 days post op if their recovery is going well.

Thank you for your question.  Always best to check with your surgeon regarding pre and postop instructions.  Generally, a mutlivitamin and vitamin C are fine.  You should likely hold your vitamin E as it can increase bleeding revision, as well as many common supplements like Ginko or fish oil.  Good luck. 

Each surgeon may have preferences, and will likely present you with a list of medications to avoid. Many of those on the list will contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or other meds that may interfere with blood clotting. Vitamin C is usually not on such a list.

You will be safest to ask your own surgeon whose preferences may not match those of the surgeons who may be answering your query. 

Thanks, and best wishes.