Long before doctors were prescribing medication, herbal supplements were often suggested. Even though modern science has come a long way since the days of powders and elixirs, these over-the-counter treatments are still flying off the shelves. While these natural remedies claim to mend a variety of issues, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reminds plastic surgery patients they can cause serious complications after a procedure is completed. That’s why it’s never been more important to discuss your medications and supplements with your plastic surgeon prior to undergoing any kind of plastic surgery.
A recent study shows homeopathic remedies can increase a patient’s risk of bleeding after cosmetic surgery. The study identified several dangerous ingredients linked to bleeding problems including: Chinese peony, garlic, ginger, ginko, ginseng, Oil of wintergreen and Saw palmetto. Those who are considering plastic surgery are urged to speak with their cosmetic surgeons in San Diego to determine which medications and supplements should be ceased prior to undergoing any procedure.
“It is essential that plastic surgeons be aware of the popular, ‘natural’ products that have potentially dangerous bleeding effects. We conducted this review to help surgeons educate, screen and counsel their patients on herbal foods, supplements, teas, and other homeopathic remedies that can compromise patient safety,” said lead author Subhas C. Gupta, Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
“Questions surgeons may want to ask their patients include whether the patient is taking any vitamins, herbs or supplements; what vegetables or plant products the patient has been eating in the past month; what types of teas the patient has been drinking recently; and whether the patient has ever taken any herbs or supplements in the past.”
Often times people assume these remedies are safe and don’t tell doctors they are taking them when discussing plastic surgery in San Diego.
“Patients are often not aware of the risk of complications, which can seriously compromise surgical outcomes and patient safety,” said Foad Nahai, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is now encouraging all surgeons to talk with their patients about the risks associated with herbal treatments, diet pills and teas. Patients should stop taking these remedies two to three weeks before surgery and not resume taking them until a doctor is consulted after surgery.
“This review will help plastic surgeons appropriately counsel their patients. It provides an excellent overview of our current knowledge about many popular supplements,” Nahai said. “It has recommendations for discussing supplement consumption with patients, and recommendations for managing supplement use in the preoperative and postoperative setting.”
If you’re considering plastic surgery in San Diego, and would like to speak to a board certified cosmetic surgeon about your personal beauty goals, call Dr. Kincaid at 858-450-4199 and schedule your consultation today. Dr. Kincaid serves Oceanside, Coronado, Encinitas, Solana Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar and the greater San Diego County area.
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