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

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.

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.

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/