There may be more than herbs in herbal supplements

As a board certified plastic surgeon, I see ads for herbal supplements everywhere.  

They have been touted to cure a multitude of diseases and provide a “new lease” on life.  

Now buyers of herbal supplements need to be aware that many supplements contain unlisted additives.  These dilute the “herbs” and can cause problems for people suffering from allergies.  

The bottom line is that quality control is non-existent.  

How big is this business?  It is a $5 billion dollar business.  The FDA requires companies to test their products for safety but there is an “honor” code that the supplements do contain what is printed on the label.  

Again, buyer beware.

What's drying out your eyes?

As a Florida plastic surgeon,  one of my favorite operations is an upper eyelid Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift.

Before and after photos of a blepharoplasty

The most common complication following a Blepharoplasty is dry eyes.   

There are several herbal products associated with dry eyes.  One is Niacin or vitamin B3.  Others include Echinacea, kava and anti-cholinergic alkaloids.  I have requested all my patients to stop ALL herbal supplements.  

Keeping things simple is the best.

Plastic Surgery - Herbal Supplements are no-no's

Many patients coming in for elective cosmetic surgery are in the process of taking dietary supplements such as fish-oil, Ginseng, Ginkgo-biloba and the list goes on.

You MUST STOP taking all herbal supplements 2 to 3 weeks before surgery. And you must advise your surgeon of any herbal supplements or other substances you have been taking. They may disqualify you, temporarily, for any cosmetic plastic surgery.

The reason is simple; minimize the potential for any drug interactions.

Many of these “supplements” can affect blood clotting.

Not too long ago I did a face lift on a lady who had taken fish-oil and it took all the skill and attention I had to stop her oozing.

So remember, NO HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS.

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For more information about plastic surgery in Fort Myers, visit Dr. Brueck's web site. The more you learn the better off you will be.