Medication, Vitamins, Supplements and Surgery

Preparing your body for surgery is a really important step in your journey. In addition to giving up smoking, and ensuring you’re in physicial shape, you may also need to stop taking medication, vitamins and supplements ahead of your Surgery. Read on to discover why discontinuing certain medications, vitamins and supplements prior to your surgery helps to reduce your exposure to risk during and after your surgery.

INDEX

What Vitamins, Supplements & Medicines are Dangerous Before Surgery?

Does My Surgeon Need To Know About Vitamins, Supplements or Medication I’m Taking?

When Should I Stop Taking Medicine, Vitamins and Supplements Before Surgery?

Medications, Vitamins, Supplements & Surgery

Can I take Medication, Vitamins and Supplements Before Surgery?

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

Over the counter and prescription medications must also be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery, or as advised by your Plastic Surgeon. If in doubt, 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.

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Is it Dangerous to Take Medication, Supplements or Vitamins Before Surgery?

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

Medications, Vitamins and Supplements affect the body in many ways. In most cases, these effects are positive and vital to a client’s wellbeing. However, they may also cause the body to behave differently in a surgical setting and put you at higher risk of surgical complications. In fact, many clients are unaware that some medications, including herbal or organic drugs contain anticoagulants (blood thinning properties).

During and after your surgery, you will receive a number of medications, including anaesthetics, pain medication and antibiotics. Certain vitamins can alter the effectiveness of these medications and can create issues during your recovery. The most prominent of which being the risk of drug interactions and the thinning of your blood. This can contribute to:

• Severe post-surgical bleeding
• Decreased blood clotting ability
• Increased inflammation
• Increased blood pressure

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Will my Surgery be cancelled if I take Medication, Vitamins or Supplements Before My Surgery?

Your wellbeing is our number one priority – Which is why If you have taken medication, vitamins or supplements prior to your surgery, your procedure may be postponed or even cancelled.

Please note, pre-operative tests are conducted prior to every CosMediTour plastic surgery procedure and any changes to travel plans resulting from 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:

• May affect your liver/thyroid function
• Contain anticoagulants or similar blood thinning properties
• Produce an unbalanced test result

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What Vitamins, Supplements & Medicines are Dangerous Before Surgery?

Common Vitamins & Supplements that Interfere with Surgery

The following vitamins and supplements are relatively commonly; however 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.  

Does My Surgeon Need To Know About Vitamins, Supplements or Medication I’m Taking?

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

Yes. To ensure your safety, you must tell your Plastic Surgeon and Client Manager if you take any vitamins, supplements, and herbal medications. If you fail to do so, you’ll risk having your procedure cancelled or delayed. Remember, if we don’t know what you’re putting into your body, we can’t guarantee the safest possible recovery.

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When Do I Need to Stop Taking Medications, Vitamins or Supplements Before My Surgery?

If you’re preparing for Plastic Surgery, you must stop taking medications at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Vitamins and supplements, whether in tablet, capsule, power, or liquid form, must not be taken for 4 weeks prior to surgery.

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Further Information

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