New research has shown that patients taking anti-depressants or herbal remedies before undergoing cosmetic surgery may be putting their health at risk.

Cosmetic surgeons have long encouraged patients to forego herbal supplements and remedies for a couple of days before their surgery. However new research published by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has shown that patients should not use herbal remedies and supplements for up two a fortnight before surgery, otherwise there is a higher risk of adverse reactions to the anaesthesia used during surgery.

This advice is not new there are plenty of studies which have shown that herbal medications may have an adverse effect on patients undergoing surgery. Some herbs have a pharmacodynamic or pharamacokinetic effect meaning that they may make the central nervous system unstable or cause excessive bleeding both during and after the surgery.

In particular, Echinacea, ephedra, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, kava, St. John’s Wort and valerian have all be singled out as herbs to avoid before surgery.

If you have any doubts about the medication you are taking either prescribed or non-prescribed it is important to check with your plastic surgeon well in advance of surgery to ensure that you have the best possible experience during surgery and during the recovery period, and to reduce the risk of adverse side effects and complications.