Medication, Vitamins, Supplements, and Surgical Procedures

Oct 5, 2023 | 2. Blog

Preparing your body for surgery is a crucial step in your journey. Besides quitting smoking and ensuring you’re in physical shape, you may also need to discontinue certain medications, vitamins, and supplements before your surgical procedure. Continue reading to understand why pausing the use of specific medication, vitamins and supplements before surgery can help reduce risks during and after your procedure.

INDEX

Medications, Vitamins, Supplements & Surgery

 

Can I take Medication, Vitamins and Supplements Before Having Surgery?

No, it’s not advisable to take any vitamins, multivitamins, or supplements for at least 4 weeks before your surgery, as it may increase the risk of serious surgical complications.

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications should also be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery or as advised by your Plastic Surgeon. If you have any doubts, please contact your Client Manager as soon as possible.

*** IMPORTANT ***

Please consult with your GP and Surgeon before discontinuing any medication.
They are best placed to advise on how and when to safely discontinue your medication use.

Is it Dangerous to consume medication, Supplements or Vitamins Priot to Surgery?

 

Why Should I pause Taking medication, Vitamins and Supplements Before Surgery?

Medications, vitamins, and supplements can impact the body in various ways. Usually, these effects are positive and vital for a client’s well-being. However, they might also cause the body to react differently in a surgical setting, increasing the risk of surgical complications. Some medications, including herbal or organic drugs, contain anticoagulants (blood-thinning properties), which many clients are unaware of.

During and after your surgery, you’ll receive various medications, including anesthetics, pain medication, and antibiotics. Certain vitamins can affect the effectiveness of these medications, potentially leading to complications during your recovery. The most significant risks include drug interactions and blood thinning, which can contribute to:

 

  1. Severe post-surgical bleeding
  2. Reduced blood clotting ability
  3. Increased inflammation
  4. Elevated blood pressure

Can my Surgery be cancelled if I consume Medication, Vitamins or Supplements Prior to Surgery?

 

Your well-being is our top priority. Therefore, if you’ve used medication, vitamins, or supplements before your surgery, your procedure may be postponed or even cancelled.

Please note that pre-operative tests are conducted before every CosMediTour plastic surgery procedure, and any changes to travel plans resulting from the continued use of vitamins, supplements, or medication will be at the client’s own expense. Pre-operative testing will identify any medication, vitamins, or supplements that:

 

  1. May affect your liver/thyroid function
  2. Contain anticoagulants or similar blood-thinning properties
  3. Produce an unbalanced test result
Woman holding supplement

WHAT MEDICATIONS, SUPPLEMENTS & MEDICINES ARE OF CONCERN BEFORE SURGERY?

 

COMMON VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS THAT CAN INTERFERE WITH SURGERY

The following vitamins and supplements are relatively common but have also been known to interfere with surgical procedures.

*** IMPORTANT ***

The list below is not a complete list. So, if you take any vitamins or supplements (including sports supplements) that aren’t on the list below, please contact your CosMediTour Client Manager or your Surgeon for advice.  

  • Aspirin, Motrin, Advil (i.e. blood thinners)
  • Chromium
  • Diet pills, powders, or drinks (those designed to control appetite and/or burn fat)
  • Glucosamine
  • Pre-Workout & Protein Powder
  • Dong Quai
  • Echinacea
  • Ephedra
  • Fish Oil
  • Garcinia
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Ginkgo
  • Ginseng
  • Feverfew
  • Flaxseed
  • Licorice
  • Valerian
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
vitamins and supplements before surgery, which can be dangerous

DOES MY SURGEON NEED TO BE INFORMED ABOUT MY VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS, OR MEDICATIONS?

 

Do I Need To Tell My Surgeon About Medications I’m Taking?

Yes, you must inform your Plastic Surgeon and Client Manager about any vitamins, supplements, and herbal medications you are taking to ensure your safety. Failing to do so may result in the cancellation or postponement of your procedure. Remember, if we are unaware of what you are consuming, we cannot guarantee the safest possible recovery.

WHEN SHOULD I CEASE USING MEDICATIONS, VITAMINS, OR SUPPLEMENTS BEFORE MY SURGERY?

 

If you are preparing for plastic surgery in Thailand, discontinue the use of medications at least 2 weeks before your surgery. Vitamins and supplements, regardless of their form (tablets, capsules, powders, or liquids), should not be taken for 4 weeks prior to surgery.

Further Information

To learn more about Medications, Vitamins, Supplements and your Surgery, please connect with our friendly Client Support Team.

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