The risk that herbal supplements may cause adverse effects or slow down the healing process on patients who have undergone plastic surgery is not new. Many herb have a pharmacodynamic or pharamacokinetic effect which means they may make the central nervous system unstable or cause excessive bleeding both during and after the surgery. Common herbs which can cause problems include ginseng, gingko bilboa and garlic.

New research by the University Hospitals Case Medical Centre in Washington has backed up previous studies by showing that more than 40 percent of people using herbal supplements before their cosmetic surgery report more side effects and post-op problems that those who haven’t taken supplements.

The problem of herbal supplements and cosmetic surgery is compounded by many patients not disclosing that they are taking the herbs to the plastic surgeons. Some of these are hiding the fact that they are taking the herbs whilst others believe that as no prescription is required, there is no risk and therefore no need to tell their surgeon.

For anyone who is planning to have cosmetic surgery, it is vitally important to tell your surgeon of any drugs – both prescription and non-prescription – that you are taking. It may take several weeks of abstinence from the drug before your cosmetic surgery can take place safely therefore it is important to ask your surgeon about any herbs well in advance of your surgery date.

Related posts:

1. Herbal Remedies a danger to Cosmetic Surgery Patients New research has shown that patients taking anti-depressants or herbal...
2. Breast Enlargement Pills vs Cosmetic Surgery For those women who are looking for larger breasts but...

Cosmetic surgeons have long encouraged patients to forego herbal supplements and remedies for a couple of days before their surgery. However new research published by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has shown that patients should not use herbal remedies and supplements for up two a fortnight before surgery, otherwise there is a higher risk of adverse reactions to the anaesthesia used during surgery.

This advice is not new – there are plenty of studies which have shown that herbal medications may have an adverse effect on patients undergoing surgery. Some herbs have a pharmacodynamic or pharamacokinetic effect meaning that they may make the central nervous system unstable or cause excessive bleeding both during and after the surgery.

In particular, Echinacea, ephedra, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, kava, St. John’s Wort and valerian have all be singled out as herbs to avoid before surgery.

If you have any doubts about the medication you are taking – either prescribed or non-prescribed – it is important to check with your plastic surgeon well in advance of surgery to ensure that you have the best possible experience during surgery and during the recovery period, and to reduce the risk of adverse side effects and complications.

Related posts:

1. Breast Enlargement Pills vs Cosmetic Surgery For those women who are looking for larger breasts but...
2. Reality TV influences prospective patients The academic journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has recently done...