Choosing to undergo a plastic surgery procedure involves more than just deciding on your ideal aesthetic result. One crucial and often overlooked aspect of pre-operative planning involves the careful management of ongoing medications. Indeed, Dr Jon Ver Halen believes that certain medications can significantly impact surgical outcomes and need to be adjusted accordingly.
The Risks of Blood-Thinning Medications
Blood-thinning medications, also known as anticoagulants, can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. It is vitally important to discuss any such medications, including daily aspirin therapy, with your plastic surgeon well before the procedure.
Impact of Over-the-Counter Remedies and Supplements
Over-the-counter treatments, including simple pain relievers, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements, can also affect surgical outcomes. For example, supplements like fish oil and Vitamin E can also contribute to increased bleeding. Informing your surgeon of all such supplements is critical in the pre-operative phase.
Managing Diabetes Medications
Patients with diabetes require careful glucose monitoring and medication management leading up to the surgery. High blood sugar levels can delay wound healing and increase the risk of infection. Your surgeon and diabetes doctor will need to collaborate closely to adjust your medications as needed.
Addressing Medications for Chronic Conditions
For patients taking medications for chronic conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), or thyroid disorders, it’s crucial to discuss these with your surgeon. In
Dr Jon Ver Halen some cases, these medications might need to be adjusted, especially if they can impact your body’s stress response during surgery.
Hormonal Therapies: Balancing Benefits and Risks
Hormonal therapies, such as contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk of developing blood clots following surgery. It’s essential to talk to both your surgeon and your prescribing doctor about the best way to manage this risk.
Medications to Potentially Continue
Lastly, certain medications may need to continue even on the day of the surgery, such as certain heart Dr Jon Ver Halen medications. It’s important to clearly determine which medications fall into this category during your pre-operative consultations.