One of the treatments of several skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma, is Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery involves removing the skin that contains the cancer cells. Then, a thin layer of the surrounding skin gets removed. The procedure has proven to be highly effective.
However, there are some precautions you must take in preparation for Mohs surgery. There are certain supplements that you will need to avoid to make sure the procedure runs as smoothly and safely as possible.
Some Supplements Thin the Blood
Just like any surgery, you should avoid taking certain medications one week prior to your Mohs surgery. Drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin and plavix act as blood thinners. The reason you should not take any blood thinners before surgery is because they can cause complications. They may elevate your blood pressure and increase the risk of bruising or bleeding after surgery.
Anticoagulant medications help treat common heart rhythm problems. However, they stop the production of blood-clotting proteins. Platelets are what help form blood clots when you bleed. Antiplatelets prevent platelets from sticking together to form a clot. All surgery will involve cutting body tissue, so it is important that your blood is able to clot during the procedure. Besides medications, you also will need to stop taking certain supplements and vitamins as they can also thin the blood. These include:
- Bilberry
- Coenzyme Q
- Cranberry
- Cayenne
- Dong Quai
- Feverfew
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginger
- Ginseng
- Goldenseal
- Hawthorne
- Kava Kava
- Licorice Root
- Ma Huang
- Melatonin
- Papaya
- Red Clover
- St. Johns Wort
- Yohimbe
- Valerian
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Other Negative Effects
Supplements may lead to other side effects as well. They may cause issues either by themselves or when interacting with other drugs. You can develop cardiovascular problems, or some supplements can change how you respond to anesthesia. Some may decrease the effectiveness of certain medicines. Echinacea, Ephedra, Garlic, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Licorice Root, St John’s Wort, Kava and Valerian have been implicated here.
Many people do not inform their doctor about any supplements that they are taking. Always disclose this information to ensure that you can heal properly after surgery. Contact us to learn more about preparing for Mohs surgery.
