Aspirin is a prime offender. Patients should avoid any medications containing aspirin for at least two weeks before and after surgery if at all possible. Many patients are taking herbal supplements these days, and since the effect of these agents is not clearly understood, we generally recommend that patients discontinue most supplements during the time of their surgery. An exception is the homeopathic agent Arnica Montana. Arnica has been observed to significantly reduce bruising and swelling by many patients and we are currently recommending its use.
Patients generally take Arnica for two or three days before and after surgery.
It comes in several forms including tablets that are swallowed or capsules that are dissolved under the tongue. Both seem to work equally well. Smoking Nothing is more detrimental to healing than smoking. The combination of nicotine and carbon monoxide produced by cigarette smoke deprives the body of oxygen needed for healing and resistance to infection. This is so important that we have adopted a policy of not operating on patients who are actively smoking at the time of surgery.