Rebeauty

2026-05-29

Medications and Supplements to Discontinue Before Plastic Surgery

Before plastic surgery, it's crucial to stop certain medications and supplements to ensure safety and optimal recovery. This guide outlines which substances to avoid, including anticoagulants, NSAIDs, Vitamin E, Omega-3, herbal supplements, and steroids, and explains why.

Medications and Supplements to Discontinue Before Plastic Surgery

Hello everyone~

💎Your beauty universe! This is Wevers Plastic Surgery :)💎

Although it's for cosmetic purposes,

plastic surgery is still, strictly speaking, a surgical procedure.🤔

Therefore, there are certain medications and supplements

that you absolutely must stop taking before surgery.

Today, we'd like to briefly inform you about

the medications and supplements that should not be taken.

❌Medications and Supplements to Discontinue Before Plastic Surgery❌

1. Blood-thinning ingredients (anticoagulants)

- Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel, etc.

During surgery, these not only increase the risk of bleeding

but also hinder hemostasis, leading to increased bruising and swelling.

Furthermore, the recovery speed after surgery may be delayed.

If you are taking any product containing aspirin, you must consult your doctor and discontinue its use.

2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

- Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.

Taking these can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, so you should avoid them.

3. Vitamin E

It helps with anti-aging and immune system management,

so some people might be taking it daily.

Vitamin E has antioxidant effects, but during surgery, it can impair platelet function,

increasing the risk of bleeding.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids

While they help reduce inflammation,

these supplements impair platelet function and can interfere with blood clotting.

5. Herbal supplements

For example, ginger, garlic, ginkgo biloba, etc., can increase the risk of bleeding.

These can also affect blood clotting.

6. Steroids

Steroids have immunosuppressive effects,

which can lead to an increased risk of infection and delayed recovery,

so it is best to avoid taking them.

📢How long should you stop taking them?

It is recommended to avoid these medications and supplements for at least 1-2 weeks before plastic surgery,

and it is important to consult with your doctor for advice tailored to your individual situation.

If you accidentally took them before surgery, you must inform the hospital.

This is so that measures can be taken to ensure the patient's safety

and prevent any undue strain.

📢When can you start taking them again?

You can usually resume taking the medications and supplements you stopped before plastic surgery

about 1-2 weeks after the surgery.

However, the permissible period for resumption varies depending on the type of surgery, the patient's condition, and the recovery process,

and it is important to take medications as directed by your doctor.

While supplements can aid in post-surgical recovery,

certain supplements may need to be avoided for a specific period after surgery.

Therefore, for specific details, it is safest to consult with your surgeon

before the operation.

💖If you have any more questions?

Wevers Plastic Surgery Clinic
5th Floor, Miwang Building, 364 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I stop taking medication before plastic surgery?

Yes, it is to prevent an increased risk of bleeding and to avoid hindering hemostasis. Certain medications or supplements can interfere with blood clotting, increasing bleeding during surgery, worsening bruising and swelling after surgery, and slowing down recovery, so you must stop taking them.

What are the main supplements to avoid before surgery?

You should avoid Vitamin E, Omega-3, and herbal supplements like ginger or garlic. These supplements can impair platelet function and interfere with blood clotting, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding during surgery.

How many days before plastic surgery should I stop taking medication and supplements?

It is recommended to stop taking them at least 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. Since it can vary depending on individual conditions, it is crucial to consult with your doctor in advance if you are taking any medications to receive precise instructions.

What should I do if I accidentally took a prohibited medication before surgery?

You should immediately inform the hospital where you are scheduled for surgery. This is because the hospital can assess your condition, take appropriate safety measures, or adjust the surgery schedule to ensure your well-being.

When can I resume taking supplements and medication after surgery?

Generally, you can resume taking them about 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery. However, the timing can vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's recovery status, so it is safest to resume only under the guidance of your doctor.

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