What to Avoid before Cosmetic Surgery

Once patients have decided to undergo cosmetic surgery, they will likely be given a list of “do’s and don’ts” to follow in order to prepare for the big day. Some patients may find this list to be overwhelming along with all of the other information they get prior to surgery. Others may wonder why they need to follow the list at all. The cosmetic surgeons at Jefferson Plastic Surgery Center will take the time to go through this list with their patients in order to explain it and answer any questions patients may have.

Medications

Patients should avoid any medications that thin the blood. Examples of such medications, or anticoagulants, would include Coumadin and Plavix. These medications are designed to prevent blood clots from forming that could block vital arteries in the body. The problem with anticoagulants is that they may lead to excessive bleeding during surgery. They may also lengthen the healing process by not allowing the blood to clot for proper wound healing. Patients taking anticoagulants should discuss their cosmetic surgery plans with their primary care physician to determine the best course of action regarding stopping and resuming medication.

Vitamins and Supplements

Most people take some sort of vitamin or other supplement daily. Just as with prescription medications, there are vitamins and supplements that should be avoided. A partial list would include:

• Appetite-control supplements
• Vitamin E
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Flaxseed
• Fish oil
• Echinacea
• St. John's Wort

Conversely, taking the herbal supplement Arnica montana starting three weeks before surgery until three weeks afterward will help reduce the amount of post-surgical bruising and swelling.

Alcohol

Patients may think nothing of having an occasional glass of wine or a beer. However, it is best to avoid all alcohol beginning two weeks before cosmetic surgery and waiting until two weeks afterward. Alcohol, like anticoagulants, thin out the blood. This may lead to excessive bleeding and poor wound healing. It may also increase bruising severity and length of time following the cosmetic procedure. Alcohol can also have a dehydrating effect upon the body, which can lengthen healing time and may lead to excessive scarring.

Smoking

The truth is that patients who are non-smokers are better candidates for cosmetic surgery than those who smoke. However, it is recommended that patients who are smokers quit starting three weeks before surgery. While it is most optimal to quit for good, it is recommended that smokers wait until at least four weeks after surgery to resume. Just as with alcohol and certain medications, smoking will increase the risk for bleeding, as well as extending healing time and leading to poor wound closure and excessive scarring.

Overall, the key is to be as healthy as possible when the day of surgery arrives. The best way to make that happen is to start in the weeks leading up to surgery. Patients want to look their best after they have recovered from cosmetic surgery. Stopping alcohol consumption, smoking, and medications that thin the blood are crucial ways to work toward an uncomplicated surgery and a speedy recovery.

Contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.