Before undergoing breast augmentation at North Oakland Plastic Surgery, we provide each patient with a detailed list of pre-operative instructions for safety. One important guideline is to stop taking all non-essential vitamin supplements and herbal medications in the weeks leading up to surgery. This is not just a precaution—it is a critical step in minimizing surgical risks, especially related to bleeding and bruising. Many over-the-counter supplements can interfere with blood clotting, anesthesia, and wound healing.

Supplements That Increase Bleeding Risk

Several common supplements can impair the body’s ability to form blood clots, increasing the chance of excessive bruising or bleeding during and after surgery. These include, but are not limited to, vitamin E, fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginger, and turmeric. While these substances may be beneficial in everyday wellness routines, they act as natural blood thinners and can complicate surgical procedures.

During breast augmentation, even small amounts of bleeding can create issues such as hematoma formation, delayed healing, or more noticeable bruising. By stopping these supplements well in advance—typically two weeks before surgery—we reduce these risks and help ensure a smoother recovery process.

Potential Interactions with Anesthesia

In addition to affecting bleeding, some herbal supplements and vitamins can interfere with how your body responds to anesthesia. For example, St. John’s wort, kava, and valerian root can alter the metabolism of sedatives or anesthetics, potentially making them more or less effective. This can complicate sedation or general anesthesia during surgery, making it more difficult to control your comfort and safety.

Some supplements can also increase heart rate or blood pressure, which is not ideal in a controlled surgical setting. By discontinuing these products before your procedure, we maintain better control over your body’s response to anesthesia and reduce the likelihood of unexpected complications.

Impact on Healing and Recovery

Certain supplements can negatively affect your body’s natural healing process. For example, high doses of vitamin C or zinc, though beneficial in some cases, can cause imbalances when combined with medications or other supplements. Herbal products like echinacea and ginseng may also trigger allergic reactions or inflammatory responses in sensitive individuals.

Discontinuing non-essential supplements allows us to standardize your healing response and monitor any post-operative symptoms more accurately. It also helps ensure that any necessary medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, are not affected by unregulated substances in your system. A clean supplement break provides a more predictable and complication-free recovery process.

Conclusion

Stopping all non-essential supplements and herbal medications before breast augmentation is an important part of surgical safety. At North Oakland Plastic Surgery, we prioritize patient health and optimal outcomes by providing thorough pre-operative instructions tailored to each individual. Dr. Hainer reviews all medications and supplements during your consultation to identify any potential risks. To learn more about preparing for breast augmentation or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Hainer at North Oakland Plastic Surgery today.

Posted in Breast, Breast Augmentation