Click Here for Our COVID-19 Policy and What to Expect at Your Visit.

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Peter A. Hilger, MD

Logo 1993
FACIAL PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY SPECIALISTS IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN
(952) 844-0404 Contact Us
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Dr. Peter Hilger
    • Dr. Sofia Lyford-Pike
    • Stacy Hart, Esthetician
  • PROCEDURES
    • Eyelid (Blepharoplasty)
    • Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)
    • Facelift
    • Neck Lift
    • Rhinoplasty
    • Chin Augmentation
    • Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
    • Lip Lift
    • Facial Augmentation with Fat Transfer
    • Fillers and Botox
    • Peels
    • Dermabrasion
    • Advanced Facial Treatments
    • Massage
    • Earlobe Reconstruction
  • AREAS OF CONCERN
    • Facial Rejuvenation
    • Neck and Jawline
    • Eyes, Brow and Forehead
    • Nose
    • Lips
  • PHOTOS
  • TESTIMONIALS

Risks of Natural Medicines Before Cosmetic Surgery

For cosmetic surgery candidates who have come to trust alternative medicines as a means to enhance their present lifestyles, the news may come as a bitter pill to swallow. Based on extensive studies, doctors recommend an end to taking such herbs and natural home remedies – even under safe and proper use – at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgical cosmetic procedures.

More than a third of all Americans take some kind of vitamin or herbal supplement. Even though these herbal products, homoeopathic medicines and dietary supplements are considered “natural” and derived from food, they can also be quite potent or even dangerous when combined with anesthesia.

Cosmetic surgeons believe these medicines can put their patients at risk for serious bleeding complications after surgery unless the body is allowed an enough time to clear these substances from your system. This may include an increased risk of hypertension, clotting problems, hypoglycemia, rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure levels.

Hidden Nightmare

Most patients don’t think twice about telling their doctors about any prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs they may be taking, certainly when they are preparing for surgery. But, because many people assume that products labeled “natural” must be – naturally – harmless and of no concern, facial surgeons are too often the last to learn of this potentially “hidden nightmare.” What your doctor does not know may wind up hurting you.

Some of the most popular herbs and supplements with potentially dangerous bleeding effects include Chinese peony, garlic, ginger, ginko, ginseng, Oil of wintergreen and Saw palmetto. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Omega 3 products, fish oil, and Advil, Motrin and other medications except Tylenol – acetaminophen medication products also need to be noted. That said, it is important to tell your cosmetic surgeon the types of plant products or vegetables you have been eating in the past month. Be open about teas you have been drinking recently and any herbs or supplements you’ve ever taken in the past.

Honesty Is the Answer

Don’t feel silly or intimidated; this is not about getting lectured. Delaying the use of alternative medicines and supplements prior to cosmetic surgery can be as critical as stopping aspirin and other common drugs. To learn more about pre- and post-operative preparations before cosmetic surgery visit our pre and post-operative instruction section or schedule a consultation with Dr. Hilger.

About the Surgeon

Dr. Peter Hilger has been performing facial cosmetic surgery in Edina, Minnesota for over 25 years. With thousands of cosmetic procedures performed, his breadth of knowledge and talent is unmatched. Learn more about our Peter Hilger plastic surgeon

Contact Us in Minneapolis, MN
  • By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
The doctors have been selected routinely as “Best Doctors” by the Minnesota Monthly survey. The doctors in the Hilger Clinic are routinely selected by the Minneapolis/St. Paul doctor’s survey. The only Board certifying exclusively in facial plastic surgery. One of the founding members of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Otolaryngology certification includes facial plastic surgery. A national society specializing in excellence in facial plastic surgery. Our doctors have been extensively involved in this society for years including serving as its’ President. This is a national survey that recognizes excellence in all fields of medicine throughout the United States. Our doctors have been repeatedly selected in this survey as well.

Hilger Facial Plastic in Minnesota

PHOTO GALLERY

Eyelid Surgery
Botox
Chin Implant
Endoscopic Brow lift
Facelift
Otoplasty
Rhinoplasty

PERFORMED PROCEDURES

Facelift
Blepharoplasty
Endoscopic Brow Lift
Rhinoplasty
Chin Augmentation
Otoplasty

ABOUT

3D and Video Imaging
Hilger History
Humanitarian
Patient Forms
Philosophy
Video Testimonials
News
Blog
Sitemap

© Copyright 2021. Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Peter A. Hilger, MD.
Medical Website Marketing by Surgeons Advisor
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Sitemap

Centennial Lakes Medical Building 7373 France Ave S #410 - Edina, MN 55435
Tel: (952) 844-0404 | Fax: (952) 831 5808