General Information >> Nutritional Supplements
Multivitamins
We are big fans of Multivitamins and Vitamin C and in our preoperative instructions we advise you to take these (but without vitamin E) prior to your surgery. Vitamin C should not be taken in doses exceeding 1,000 mG per day prior to your surgery because of an increased risk of clotting of the blood (thrombosis).
Vitamin E
Contrary to popular belief, the application of topical vitamin E, may not help abrasions, scars, and stretchmarks. It may actually be harmful if applied during the first few days after surgery as it can cause inflammation of the skin.
Oral vitamin E is capable of decreasing the stickiness of the platelets in your bloodstream. This may cause excessive bruising or bleeding after surgery. In addition it has been shown in various animal studies to potentially decrease the strength of scar formed. This is not what we want in a healing incision. So as a general rule we advise against taking vitamin E at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Otherwise, excepting the above, we advocate the taking of vitamin E for a whole variety of reasons including prostatic health, anticancer effect, and potential prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. When you are healed from your surgery, we would encourage you to resume taking oral vitamin E.
ASA, anti-inflammatories
ASA (aspirin) decreases the ability of your blood to form clots. This can result in excessive bleeding or bruising post operatively. We advise against taking ASA for a period of 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Garlic, fish oils, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng
All of these tend to act like aspirin by decreasing the tendency for of your blood to form clots. We advise against taking garlic for a period of 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Echinacea
This herbal remedy may cause immune suppression when taken on a long term basis and we advise that you discontinue this as far in advance as possible prior to your surgery.
Ephedra
This can potentially increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes and should be discontinued 2 weeks before your surgery.
Kava
This may increase the sedative effects of the anaesthesia and should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to surgery.
St. John’s Wort
Can interfere with the metabolism of many drugs and should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to surgery
Valerian
This can increase the effects of sedatives and long term use can increase the amount of anaesthesia needed. If possible, taper dose weeks before surgery. If not, continue use until surgery.
Finally, we need to know not just the prescription medications that you take, but all herbs, vitamins, minerals, etc that you may be taking. Many have no effect whatsoever but some as noted above can have adverse effects on wound healing.
