Herbal supplements have become an increasingly popular way to round out the diet, and offer several health benefits with ongoing supplementation; some provide a boost of energy, fight infections, and can even help you relax. Unfortunately, those ginseng, garlic and Echinacea extracts could be harmful to your health when you’re pursuing plastic surgery.   

In the February 2008 issue of the American Plastic Surgeons’ medical journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers declared several herbal supplements as dangerous. Instead of taking herbal supplements during the surgery period, experts are advising against some of today’s most popular herbal concoctions.

Most people are required to cut back on some types of medication during surgery, but few people realize the effects of ‘natural’ supplements such as glucosamine and Echinacea can have during the procedure. A consultation with a surgeon will require you to declare the types of medication you’re on, and disclosing herbal supplements and other dietary aids on that list may protect your health.   

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has identified the following herbal supplements as harmful during and after surgery:  

Ginkgo biloba – a powerful antioxidant and concentration booster, ginkgo has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Gingko supplementation can give memory a boost, improve respiratory ailments and even reduce the effects of dementia. However, ginkgo is also an anticoagulant which can interfere with recovery after surgery.  

Glucosamine – a supplement commonly found in diet pills and other weight loss supplements, glucosamine has been linked to extremely low blood sugar and can create significant problems for patients who go without food for extended periods of time during surgery.  

Ephedra – though it’s been banned by the Food and Drug Administration, ephedra is still available in several diet pills and weight loss supplements.  Ephedra can increase the metabolism and elevate the heart rate, but may interfere with the procedure, preventing adequate rest and healing.  

Chondroitin – this supplement is commonly used amongst athletes to lubricate the joints, but can be the cause of blood complications during surgery making it difficult for patients to recover adequately.  

Echinacea – this supplement can boost the immune system and prevent bacterial infections; however, it can prevent proper recovery of wounds and cuts and will interfere with the healing process.  

Garlic – garlic supplements are often taken to improve cardiovascular health and reduce cholesterol levels. However, garlic can interfere with anticoagulants prescribed during recovery and can cause digestive irritation. Reducing or eliminating garlic supplementation during the surgery process is recommended.  

Goldenseal – goldenseal can be used to boost the immune system and reduce cold and flu symptoms; it is often combined with Echinacea to treat coughs, sore throats and other symptoms of the flu and has both anti-microbial and relaxation properties. 

However, the supplement can also cause gastrointestinal upsets and nausea. According to Dr. James Bradley, the co-author of the study at the University of California, all patients need to understand the potentially harmful side effects of several herbal supplements, even if they’ve been taking them for a long time. Most herbal supplements can interfere with the recovery process and may need to be eliminated from the diet completely for up to one month before and after surgery.  

A consultation with your plastic surgeon or doctor will determine what types of medication and supplements are acceptable during and after your surgery, but it’s important to disclose all herbal and natural supplements you may be taking. Contact a plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation, or review more details about your selected cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure in our information guide.