Herbal Supplements Pose Plastic Surgery Risk
Doctors are finding that patients are significantly less likely to report the use of herbal supplements in comparison with prescription drugs prior to undergoing cosmetic surgery. The reason for the omission- they assume these natural remedies are safe. However, this is not the case according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Many herbal supplements like Chrondroitin, Ephedra, Echinacea and Glucosamine can pose serious risks when taken during or prior to plastic surgery procedures, making it dire that you share all your medical details with your doctor first.
Plastic surgery patients are not only at a higher risk for complications associated with herbal supplements, but are also significantly more likely to have engaged in some form of herbal supplement therapy. In comparison with 24 percent of the general population, over half of people who undergo cosmetic surgery procedures regularly take an herbal supplement. Fifty-five percent of these patients reported taking at least two supplements, typically one of which was on a daily basis.
Dr. James Bradley of the ASPS commented, When patients are
asked about the medications they are taking, many do not mention
medicinal herbs because they assume that they are safe.
What many unsuspecting patients don’t know is that the
natural herbs they are taking may cause serious complications
during and after surgery."
Of the supplements taken among plastic surgery patients, the most widely used were Chrondroitin, Ephedra, Echinacea, and Glucosamine.
· Chrondroitin: commonly used to treat patients with osteoarthritis, may cause bleeding complications during surgery
· Ephedra: used to promote weight loss, increase energy and treat asthma and bronchitis, can cause elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism, can lead to heart attacks and strokes during surgery
· Echinacea: commonly used for viral and bacterial infection prevention and treatment, can cause immunosuppression and infection when taken during surgery
· Glucosamine: used for osteoarthritis and other bone related problems, can cause artificial hypoglycemia during surgery
Other supplements that may pose added risk to surgery are goldenseal, milk thistle, kava, garlic, ginseng and gingko biloba.
Dr. Bradley emphasizes that, “Patients should tell doctors about all of the medications they are taking—natural or prescribed. Only then can we safely suggest the appropriate discontinuation period which can range from 24 hours to one month.”
If you are considering cosmetic surgery treatment, you may wish to contact your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits associated with the procedure.
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