30 Sep 10 Unusual Supplements To Stop Before A Plastic Surgery Procedure
Can Supplements Affect Your Surgery?
From facelifts and breast augmentations to tummy tucks and butt lifts, more women and men are opting for plastic surgeries. While there are many successes, there is a possibility of risks and complications. Some of these risks can happen as side effects of supplements. Stopping these 10 unusual supplements at least 2 weeks before surgery can help.
1. Hold off on bilberry
Bilberry is a relative of blueberries, and the extract can be used as a supplement. Some of the uses include treating angina, eye conditions, lower blood sugar, and reduce cholesterol. Bilberry might affect blood pressure and blood glucose levels before and after surgery.
2. Curb your cayenne
Cayenne does more than spice up a dish. This chili can double as a supplement. Cayenne is packed with antioxidants like choline, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Besides helping with oxidative stress and pain management, cayenne can help with psoriasis, blood pressure, and much more. Cayenne can affect blood pressure if used in excess before surgery.
3. Cut out CoQ10
CoQ10 is a compound that’s in all the cells in the body and helps to turn food into energy. CoQ10 is also an antioxidant and helps with oxidative stress. Studies show CoQ10 can treat heart-related issues like angina, blood pressure and lessens the risk of a heart attack. Combining the supplement the anesthesia during surgery may be dangerous.
4. Delay using dong quai
The dong quai root originates from Asia and is anti-inflammatory, and can help strengthen the immune system. The supplement is famous for managing the symptoms of menopause, arthritis, heart disease, and premature ejaculation. Like any drug that can impact blood pressure, hold off on dong quai until after surgery.
5. Ease up on echinacea
Echinacea is an excellent herb that helps with preventing and treating the common cold. The immune-boosting benefits can also help with other common viral infections like cold sores, bronchitis, yeast infections, and much more. While the risks of use are low, there are still concerns with surgery. Since echinacea affects the immune system and possibly the liver, there may be dangerous interactions with anesthesia.
6. Freeze your feverfew
Dried feverfew leaves and extracts are often used as supplements. As the name suggests, the chemicals in the supplement help with fevers, headaches, and migraines. Feverfew may negatively interact with anesthesia. The supplement may also slow blood clotting during the plastic surgery process.
7. Give up your ginseng
The ginseng root has been used for hundreds of years in Asian cultures. Today, the plant is renowned worldwide for excellent energy-boosting properties. Ginseng also improves focus, heart health, virility and may improve immune health. To be on the safe side, stop ginseng use before and after surgery or unless further advised.
8. The same goes for ginkgo biloba
Another Asian herb, ginkgo biloba, has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The supplement extract from the leaves contains a multitude of antioxidants and is known for memory loss. Yet, ginkgo can support other functions like depression, inflammation, and heart health. Since there may be an adverse reaction to simple over-the-counter NSAIDs and blood thinners, avoid ginkgo for surgery.
9. Shelf your yohimbe
Yohimbe is famous for treating erectile dysfunction and sexual performance. Originating from Western and Central Africa, yohimbe is known to increase blood flow to sexual organs. However, the supplement can cause symptoms like irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. When combined with the stress of surgery, yohimbe can be potentially dangerous.
10. Stop your St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort is a herbal supplement that comes from the Hypericum perforatum plant. Used in a tea, pill, or liquid form, the supplement is popular for treating depression. The herb may be as effective as some antidepressants. However, taking St. John’s wort with antidepressants can reduce the effectiveness of anesthesia.
Hold off on supplements
These herbal and natural supplements can be part of a holistic approach to health. However, there could be unwanted interactions with surgery. Most may impact the effectiveness of anesthetics. Some can affect blood pressure, which is a dangerous risk during surgery. Review all supplements with the surgeon for more advice at least 2 weeks before surgery.