It also causes the blood pressure to rise, Miller says, and that can cause bleeding during an operation. St. John's wort can cause that same effect, he says. An estimated 7.5 million Americans take this supplement to ease anxiety, mild depression and sleep disorders. The problem with vitamin E, on the other hand, appears to be more like that with aspirin, Miller says. Many people take a vitamin E supplement regularly because they believe it helps prevent heart disease.
Platelets are fragments of blood cells that help the blood clot, or form a scab.
Miller isn't alone in his observations. A survey the group did of people awaiting surgery reveals that 22 percent had used herbal remedies of some sort and 51 percent had taken vitamins. And earlier this month, doctors attending an Atlanta conference of the American College of Physicians and American Society of Internal Medicine were advised of the need to be more aware of the interactions between vitamins, herbs and traditional prescribed medications because more and more of their patients are turning to alternative therapies. But for people anticipating cosmetic surgery, Miller says, the results can be particularly upsetting. Significant bruising can really impair their recovery.