26
Jun
Dr. John Burroughs, Colorado Springs Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon, Warns About Supplements And Plastic Surgery
A recent study in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery showed that 50% of a single plastic surgeon’s last 200 patients take supplements. A significant number of supplements can cause bleeding issues that can cause unfavorable outcomes and complications with plastic surgery. The study cited some of the most common as omega fatty acids, bilberry, bromelain, fish oil, flax seed oil, garlic, methylsulfonylmethane, selenium, and vitamin E. Others include ginkgo biloba, St Johns Wort, chia seeds, ginseng, and many others. Prior to surgery, Dr. Burroughs generally recommends his patients stop herbal supplements a few weeks prior to surgery so their effects can be “washed” out. Bromelain, found in pineapples, is thought to be helpful to improve bruising and swelling. However, if taken before surgery, it can worsen bruising and swelling. NSAIDS (e.g., Alleve, Motrin) and aspirin should also be avoided prior to surgery. Whenever one is to undergo plastic surgery or another significant surgery, it is best to list all medications, vitamins, and supplements so your surgeon can advise if any should be stopped. When in doubt, it is just best to stop them all. Aspirin discontinuation should be discussed with a patient’s primary care physician or cardiologist if it has been prescribed. Excessive bleeding while undergoing eyelid surgery has led, in rare circumstances, to orbital hemorrhage and blindness, so this can be a serious matter.
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John Burroughs, M.D.
Dr. John Burroughs specializes in eyelids, orbits, and faces and has performed over 20,000 related procedures. His role in oculofacial plastic surgeries has been highly appreciated.
He is an alumnus of the Air Academy High School, University of Texas, and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine), Maryland. He later followed a transitional internship and ophthalmology residency in San Antonio, TX, and has decades of aesthetic treatment experience.
Dr. Burroughs is American Board of Ophthalmology-certified and is a Fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons, the Oculofacial Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of many other associations. He is a lifelong learner and teacher.