Before Your Plastic Surgery or Cosmetic Surgery

Part of prevention of potential complications afterplastic surgery is what is done prior to the operation. I consider suchpre-surgical preparation of critical importance.. Here is my 'to dolist' that I recommend for my patients.

To avoid postoperativecomplications such as excessive bleeding or bruising, and to speedhealing and recovery, I highly recommend the following medicationmanagement guidelines:

Medications to avoid two weeks prior to surgery:

•Discontinue use of any nicotine products. This includes cigarettes,cigars, nicotine gum, and patches. Nicotine reduces the blood flow tothe skin and may impair healing; and quitting smoking drasticallyimproves the body's response to surgery.

• Stop using medicationscontaining aspirin and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatorymedications, such as ibuprofen, Alleve, Advil) prior to (and following)surgery. Aspirin and NSAIDS thins the blood and can produce excessbleeding and bruising. Be sure to read the labels of any over thecounter remedies you regularly take as many commonly-used medicationscontain aspirin. (e.g., Alka Seltzer) For the same reason, also avoidVitamin E supplements and red wine prior to surgery.

• Stop allherbal medications before surgery. The most common herbs used areEchinacea, Ephedra, Garlic, Ginseng, Ginkogo, Kava, St. John's Wort,and Valerian. They may adversely effect anesthetic drugs, prolongbleeding and impair healing after surgery.

Medications to start two weeks prior to surgery:

•Begin using an Arnica supplement 7 days prior to surgery and continuefor two weeks following surgery. Arnica is a naturopathic remedy thatnot only helps prevent bruising but also aids in clearing bruising thathas occurred faster after surgery. It is available as an orally-takenArnica tablets (4 times a day under the tongue) that is veryinexpensive.

Begin a good multivitamin supplement at least twoweeks or more ideally one month, prior to surgery. A normal dose ofvitamins and minerals combined with a diet high in protein provides thenecessary building blocks for wound healing.

• Begin high doseVitamin C supplements. (2 grams per day) both before and after surgery.This well known vitamin is the key nutrient needed for making collagenafter surgery, which is what heals your tissues together. BecauseVitamin C is water-soluble, there is no risk of overdosing on it. Whatis not used by your body will be excreted in your urine.

Youmight also consider adding Vitamin K to your diet. This fat-solublevitamin plays an important role in blood clotting and can be found inspinach, broccoli, and kiwi.