Can Herbal Supplements Affect My Healing After Plastic Surgery?

Can herbal supplements such as green tea and ginko biloba have a negative effect on my body’s healing ability after plastic surgery?  For this question, the answer is YES.  Even if the package says “all natural ingredients,” it does not always mean that they would not cause some kind of harm.

While taking herbal supplements has its own advantages, this is not the case if you will undergo plastic surgery or any kind of operation.  This is because some of the ingredients used have been known to affect healing and natural blood clothing, thereby increasing your risk of skin necrosis (or gangrene), infection, and increased bleeding during and after surgery.

These are just some of the most commonly used herbal supplements you must avoid at least two weeks before and after your plastic surgery (e.g., breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, body lift, etc.). 

·         Ephedra

Ephedra is often used in treatments for a wide range of respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, although certain weight loss medications and “energy” supplements also contain this ingredient.

However, the US Food and Drug Administration has banned the ingredient after studies have suggested it can raise the blood pressure and heart rate, something which may lead to heart attack and stroke.

·         Chondroitin

As a treatment for people suffering from osteoarthritis, Chondroitin has been found to increase bleeding during surgery and delay one’s recovery.  Its effect can be further aggravated if you are taking other blood-thinning medications such aspirin and all types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen and naproxen).

·         Glucosamine

The effects of this agent are the same as the insulin, thereby increasing your risk of hypoglycemia during surgery.  This complication happens when your blood sugar drops to a dangerous level. 

·         Echinacea

Commonly used for the treatment of bacterial, fungal, and viral infection caused by ulcers, arthritis, and chronic wound.  But studies suggested that this ingredient can suppress your body’s immune system, leading to delayed healing.

Just to be on the safe side, you should tell your plastic surgeon all about your current medications and herbal supplements during consultation.  Take note that even those which contain garlic, ginseng, gingko biloba, and other seemingly harmless, everyday ingredients can affect your healing ability.

In case that you are taking these herbal supplements and certain medications that can affect your healing, your plastic surgeon will ask you to stop these at least two weeks before surgery.