Cosmetic Surgery can be a stressful event, and the more invasive the procedure, the greater its demands on the body. Healing requires that the body create new tissue and blood vessels, repair injured tissue and step up the production of cells that repair wounds. This complex activity won't occur efficiently if your diet is short on essential nutrients.

VitaMedica's Surgery Program is a comprehensive pre- and post-operative nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing extensive procedures such as a facelift, forehead lift, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, breast reduction or breast reconstruction, tummy tuck or liposuction. The Surgery Program is also beneficial for patients undergoing more aggressive peels such as the Obagi Blue Peel.

The program provides nutrients to speed wound healing, support the immune system, prevent infection, minimize inflammation and reduce bruising. In addition, the supplements have been specially formulated to eliminate any nutrients that may have an adverse effect on outcome, thus improving surgical safety.

The Surgery Program provides internal skin care that enhances the body's natural mechanisms for repair and healing. The result is improved surgical safety and an optimal surgical outcome.

The following nutraceuticals are part of the Surgery Program:

• AM Clinical Support for Surgery - a specialty multi-nutrient formula to enhance wound healing and speed recovery
• PM Clinical Support for Surgery - a specialty multi-nutrient formula to enhance wound healing and speed recovery
• Bromelain with Quercetin - natural ingredients with excellent anti-inflammatory properties
• Arnica Montana 30X - a homeopathic formula to reduce bruising and swelling

When do I begin taking and when do I stop taking the VitaMedica Surgery Program?

The Surgery Program is begun 14 days prior to surgery and is continued 14 days following surgery (a one-month program). Detailed instructions will be provided on how to take each of the products. During this peri-operative period, all other nutritional supplements are discontinued. Please note: It is very important that after midnight the day prior to your surgery, you do not eat or drink anything. In addition, you should not take any of the Surgery Program products. After your surgery, you can resume taking the Surgery Program products.

Bromelain is started three days prior to surgery and continued for 7-10 days following surgery. Arnica Montana is started the day of surgery and continued 7-14 days following surgery.

Why is it recommended that a patient stop taking all other nutritional supplements 14 days prior to and 14 days following surgery?

While nutritional supplements are quite safe, the use of certain supplements around the time of plastic surgery is not recommended. For example, considerable research has shown that Vitamin E plays a role in the prevention of heart disease. Part of the reason may lie in its ability to thin the blood. While this is a benefit overall, it can be problematic during surgery. Other supplements such as fish liver oil, ginkgo, garlic and ginseng also thin the blood, which in turn can promote bleeding. Supplements such as St. John's Wort, while beneficial for mild depression, can intensify the anesthetic effect. Stopping all supplements 14 days prior to surgery provides enough time for these nutrients to be eliminated from the body. These supplements are not necessary 14 days following surgery because the Surgery Program provides all of the nutrients needed for healing and repairing the body.

Why is the Surgery Program only a one-month program?

The Surgery Program includes nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Bromelain and Arnica Montana in appreciable amounts to optimize the surgical outcome. While these nutrients are beneficial during the peri-operative period, it is not recommended that they be used on a long-term basis or in such high dosages. Conversely, while the Surgery Program excludes certain nutrients such as Vitamin E, it makes sense to take this important fat-soluble antioxidant on a daily basis because it plays such an important role in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and stroke.

Why is Clinical Support for Surgery provided in a two-part formula?

Clinical Support for Surgery contains a morning and evening formulation for two reasons. First, the body most effectively uses certain nutrients when they are provided throughout the day. This is especially true for water-soluble nutrients such as Vitamin C and the B-complex. Unlike their fat-soluble counterparts, water-soluble nutrients can't be stored in the body. As a result, any extra that is not needed at the time is excreted through the urine. The only way to obtain a sufficient amount of these types of nutrients is to take them in divided doses. Second, Clinical Support for Surgery's two-part formula uses a Chronotherapy Delivery System. This approach takes into consideration that our bodies' requirements for certain nutrients differ based on the time of day. For this reason, the AM formulation contains the bulk of vitamins (especially the B-complex) to support daytime activity levels. Conversely, the PM formulation contains the bulk of minerals to promote rest and relaxation.

In what way do the vitamins and minerals aid healing?

Vitamin A repairs epithelial tissue. Vitamin C benefits collagen development, tissue growth and repair, and wound healing. Both vitamins are powerful antioxidants that must be present for wound healing, immune system function and infection control. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for bone formation, repair and blood clotting. The full complex of B-Vitamins, which are also known as the "stress fighters," are necessary for healthy skin. In particular, note that Clinical Support for Surgery does not contain Vitamin E, which can slow wound healing and can cause problems with bleeding. Bioflavonoids have several properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, antiviral and anticarcinogenic. The bioflavonoids strengthen the walls of capillaries, thereby preventing bruising. They also help build resistance to infection. In addition, bioflavonoids are potent antioxidants that enhance the absorption of Vitamin C and prevent this nutrient from being oxidized.

Are there any other issues I need to consider when taking the VitaMedica Surgery Program?

In general, VitaMedica products are remarkably free of side effects. However, about 10% of patients can experience the so-called "niacin flush" with high-potency vitamins such as Clinical Support for Surgery. The niacin flush involves a temporary reddening of the skin that lasts about 10-15 minutes. Usually it will disappear after one or two days of taking the vitamins.

The niacin flush can be prevented by building up slowly to the full dose. When starting the vitamins, simply reduce the dose to one tablet for 1-2 days, then two tablets for 1-2 days, and so forth. Taking the vitamins in this fashion will decrease the chances of the niacin-flush occurring. It will also help to prevent the uneasy sensation that occurs in some people's stomachs after taking vitamins.

In addition, following anesthesia and surgery, it is not uncommon for some patients to experience decreased appetite or gastrointestinal upset. If a patient develops these symptoms after surgery, the Surgery Program should be delayed until the stomach feels better and the patient is able to eat a normal diet.

Contact our cosmetic surgeons to schedule your consultation. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest cosmetic surgery procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511

Chesterton Office

Duneland Health & Wellness Institute
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534

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