We’re frequently asked in our comment section about: vitamin e after surgery.
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Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic outcome of burns and other wounds. Objective: We attempted to determine whether topically applied vitamin E has any effect on the cosmetic appearance of scars as suggested by multiple anectodal reports. All wounds were primarily closed in 2 layers.
After the surgery, the patients were given two ointments each labeled A or B. The criteria was simply to recognize which side of the scar looked better if there was any difference. Conclusions: This study shows that there is no benefit to the cosmetic outcome of scars by applying vitamin E after skin surgery and that the application of topical vitamin E may actually be detrimental to the cosmetic appearance of a scar.
Of the patients studied, 33% developed a contact dermatitis to the vitamin E. Therefore we conclude that use of topical vitamin E on surgical wounds should be discourage.
Healing Scars
’s a popular belief that rubbing vitamin E oil onto your acne scars can help them heal, and reduce their visibility. Healing scars One study found that vitamin E and Aquaphor ointments were no different in healing 90 percent of scars in people who had recently had patches of skin cancer removed.
And one-third of the participants who used vitamin E developed a red, itchy rash called contact dermatitis. However, a different study found that children with surgical scars who used vitamin E three times a day didn’t develop keloids, or extra scar tissue over the wound. Researchers concluded that using a topical form of vitamin E before and after surgery improved the way wounds healed.
There’s little proof that vitamin E oil can help heal scars. However, it’s possible that ingesting it through food or as a supplement can help your body heal in other ways. For example, vitamin E protects the body’s tissues from free radicals, which can damage cells and accelerate aging.
Vitamin K
This vitamin also aids in building strong bones and may be useful for combating the threat of osteoporosis in older women. Broccoli, spring onions and brussels sprouts are also good sources. Other foods with some vitamin K are pistachios, vegetable oils, lean meats, tomatoes and dairy products.
Menatetrenone is a type of vitamin K2, while menadione (vitamin K3) is another synthetic form used in some countries.
What Does Vitamin K Do?
This single nutrient sets in motion the entire blood-clotting process as soon as a wound occurs. Vitamin K1 may also be important for cell-to-cell communication. Researchers have discovered that vitamin K2 also plays a protective role in bone health.
Benefits of vitamin K
Doctors may recommend preventive doses of vitamin K if post-surgery bleeding or haemorrhaging is a concern. Even when no deficiency exists, surgeons sometimes order vitamin K before an operation to reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding. Consult your doctor before taking vitamin K prior to an operation, because certain types of surgery and prolonged bed rest may increase risk of unwanted blood clots.
(Here’s everything you need to know about knee replacement surgery.). How to take vitamin K
Supplemental vitamin K (more than is found in a multivitamin) should be taken only after consulting your doctor. Vitamin E helps the body use vitamin K, but too much vitamin E-more than 1000 IU a day-taken long term may impair vitamin K function and increase your risk of bleeding.
High doses of vitamin E may counteract the blood coagulation properties of vitamin K, increasing the risk of bleedin.
Journal Of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Methods A single-blind study was carried out. Topical vitamin E was used on the intended incision site for at least 15 days, thrice daily, before surgery and for at least 30 days, twice daily, after surgery (group A).
Results No patients in group A developed keloids. A total of 96% of patients (or parents) considered the cosmetic results very good.