Things to Avoid Before and After Surgery
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SMOKING — The Number One No-Go
We can’t emphasize this enough, please do not smoke! While smoking always poses risks, it is especially dangerous to smoke in the weeks approaching your surgery. Nicotine constricts blood flow and can dramatically affect both your surgery and your body’s ability to recover and heal post-surgery. Please keep in mind that nicotine gum, e-cigarettes, and nicotine patches are equally as dangerous. You should avoid all forms of smoking and nicotine consumption for at least one month before and after surgery.
Foods To Avoid Before Surgery
We highly recommend that you start a healthy diet before your surgery. Your body needs protein, iron, nutrients, and fat to recover properly. While it’s important to be in a healthy routine prior to your surgery, there are a few things you should avoid consuming leading up to your surgery.
1. Green Tea
The first mention-worthy being green tea. Green tea is known as an antioxidant powerhouse, but when it comes to surgery it can have some negative effects. We recommend that you stop drinking green tea at least 10 days before surgery. Unfortunately, green tea can negatively interact with anesthesia, causing increased blood pressure and accelerated heart rates. It’s important to always check with your doctor when it’s safe to ingest again to avoid any complications post-surgery.
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables, while usually a necessity in a healthy diet, are best avoided for at least 24 hours before surgery. The reason we recommend staying away from fruits and vegetables leading up to your surgery is due to their high fiber content, which can take longer to digest. It’s important to have as little food as possible in your system before your surgery begins.
3. Coffee & Alcohol
Lastly, we know how important your morning coffee can be, but we highly recommend that in the 24 hours leading up to your surgery you only consume clear beverages, such as water. Additionally, all alcoholic beverages should be avoided as you prepare and recover from your surgery.
Supplements to Avoid Before and After Surgery
To ensure a safe and successful outcome post-surgery, it is imperative that you talk to your surgeon about any over-the-counter supplements or prescription medications you may take. It’s safe to assume that almost anything purchased from a health food store has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Don’t take any over-the-counter medications or supplements, with the exception of Tylenol, for two weeks before and after surgery without first consulting with your surgeon.
When preparing for your surgery, you should also be aware that a number of vitamins and minerals can negatively impact recovery. Some common supplements to avoid in preparation of your surgery and during recovery are:
1. Fish Oil Supplements
While an amazing supplement that provides Omega-3 fatty acids and numerous health benefits, fish oil also increases bleeding and bruising. We recommend that if you are taking fish oil supplements, you stop in the days leading up to your surgery.
2. Herbal Supplements
Many supplements can increase your risk of bleeding during and after surgery, prolong the effects of anesthesia, and some can even post a risk to your safety post-surgery. We believe it’s best to take herbal supplements out of your daily wellness routine
3. Vitamin E
You should be aware that Vitamin E is known to be a blood thinner and can play a negative role in your healing process after surgery. Additionally, it imposes a higher risk of your body not being able to heal your wounds. Be sure to also check if your multivitamin contains Vitamin E because most of them do.
Have More Questions About Pre-Surgery or Post-Surgery Suggestions?
If you want to learn more about plastic surgery procedures in Scottsdale and Phoenix, contact Dr. Mazaheri Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery today at (480) 951-4343 or schedule an in-person consultation!
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