Can Vitamins Help in the Healing Process of a Tummy Tuck?

Question

I want to see a nutritionist befor my surgery. I think that I am vitamine deficient. Would this help in the healing process of the tummy tuck?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Vitamins should be taken to help encourage healing processes. Multi-vitamins containing iron, minerals and vitamin C/E are advised. It's important not to take "extra" vitamin E, however.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

The simplest thing is to eat a well rounded diet with protein and vegatables. In our office we have a list of vitamins, (vitamin E), and herbal supplements, (St. John's Wart, Fish Oil, etc.) that might cause bleeding. Much like ibuprofen or aspirin, they are to be avoided before, and for a time after surgery. Certain herbal or over the counter supplements can also interfere with anesthesia. Please contact your board certified plastic surgeon, and ask what their routine is. Please make sure you ask any questions that you may have.

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

Most people do not have a profound deficiency in any vitamin, perhaps with the exception of some bariatric surgery patients, who have real malabsorption issues. Your time and money might be better spent insuring that your body weight relative to your height (body mass index or BMI) is as close to your ideal BMI as possible. There is good evidence that people with BMI's in the 'obese' range (> 30) have increased wound healing problems with breast and body surgical procedures. Check in with your plastic surgeon for recommendations about weight loss in preparation for tummy tuck surgery/

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

People attribute magical qualities to vitamins, but they each serve a specific purpose. Vitamin C for example prevents scurvy, Vitamin B12 prevents pernicious anemia, and so forth. Very few people in this country are actually vitamin deficient exept perhaps for D, which we need more of than has traditionally been advised. I do recommend that you get your vitamin D level checked, but your nutritionist should otherwise steer you to dietary measures rather than supplements for optimal healing.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Most Americans are NOT deficient in Vitamins that can impact wound healing (such as Vitamin c). Taking moderate amounts of vitamins would not hurt you but unless your are seriously vitamin deprived, cannot help you either. It is extremely important that you have a normal protein status. Often people who diet starve themselves and the body is forced to break down muscle to get its protein. The best advice about good healing is to increase the amount of lean protein you are taking to make sure the healing process proceeds nicely.

Can Vitamins Help in the Healing Process of a Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)

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