The Naderi Center

Plastic Surgery & Dermatology

The Naderi Anti-Bleeding, Anti-Bruising Diet

Before Surgery & Injections · What to Avoid and What Is Safe

Follow this diet strictly, starting 2 weeks before your surgery or injections and continuing for 2 weeks after surgery. It directly affects how much you bleed, bruise, and swell, and Dr. Naderi considers it one of the most important parts of your preparation. These ingredients hide in muffins, bread, eggs, packaged foods, smoothies, and drinks. Check every label before you eat or drink.

Aspirin and Anything That Contains It

Aspirin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Anacin, Excedrin, and Vanquish
Alka-Seltzer and BC powder
Pepto-Bismol and Doan’s. Both contain a salicylate, a close relative of aspirin.

Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs)

Motrin, ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Naprosyn, Midol, and all other over-the-counter NSAIDs
Cold, sinus, and pain medications that contain an NSAID
Prescription anti-inflammatories: meloxicam (Mobic), diclofenac (Voltaren), ketorolac (Toradol), indomethacin, nabumetone, and etodolac

Blood Thinners

Coumadin, heparin, Lovenox, Pradaxa, Eliquis, and Xarelto
Plavix, Brilinta, and Effient

Prescription Medications

Check with your prescribing doctor before stopping any medication.

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and similar injections: tell Dr. Naderi if you take one, even in small doses. They do not increase bleeding, but they affect anesthesia. Do not stop them on your own.

Safe for Pain and Bruising

Tylenol (acetaminophen)
After your procedure, not before: Arnica and bromelain. Choose Arnica with no added echinacea.

Vitamins and Oils

Vitamin D and vitamin E (vegan vitamin D is fine)
All other vitamins and supplements, including DHA and melatonin
Omega-3, omega-6, and fish oil
Cod liver oil, flaxseed oil, and evening primrose oil

Herbs and Other Supplements

Ginkgo, ginseng, St. John’s wort, and echinacea
Turmeric or curcumin, garlic, and ginger capsules
Feverfew, dong quai, bilberry, saw palmetto, and willow bark
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Nattokinase and resveratrol
All other herbal supplements

Powders and Health Drinks

Workout and protein powders, unless they are on the Safe list on page 2
Health food store pills, drinks, juices, and smoothies

Longevity and “Biohacking” Products

NAD and NMN, including injections and IV drips
Peptides: BPC-157, TB-500, ipamorelin, CJC-1295, sermorelin, and others
IV vitamin drips and methylene blue
Rapamycin and dasatinib. These are prescriptions, so check with your prescribing doctor first.

Fish, Nuts, and Seeds

Fish, sushi, and seaweed
All nuts, including nut milks, powders, flours, and butters
All seeds (flaxseed, chia, grapeseed, tahini)
Granola bars

Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains

Avocado, guacamole, and hummus
Tempeh and quinoa
Pomegranate, grapes with seeds, berries, and papaya
Sprouts (Brussels sprouts are fine)
Onions

Drinks and Sweets

Green tea and chamomile tea
Alcohol, especially red wine
Dark chocolate and cocoa

Spices and Oils

Turmeric, garlic, ginger, licorice, cinnamon, and all other spices (salt and pepper are fine)
Olive oil, grapeseed oil, and other oils (coconut oil is fine)

Some of these foods, such as eggs, milk, yogurt, bread, and protein powders, can have omega-3 added, which increases the risk of bleeding. Check the label first.

Protein

Chicken, turkey, beef, pork, and lamb
Eggs with no added omega-3
Tofu with no added omega-3
Beans and lentils
Pure pea, soy, or whey protein powder with no added omega-3
Pure amino acids

Grains, Vegetables, and Fruit

White and brown rice (no wild rice)
Bread with no seeds or nuts and no added omega-3
All green vegetables: lettuce, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
Citrus fruits
Pineapple and pineapple juice. Eat the center core too; its bromelain helps reduce swelling.

Dairy and Oil

Milk and yogurt with no added omega-3
Coconut oil

Questions about the diet? Call 703.481.0002 (Virginia) or 301.222.2020 (Maryland), or email Surgery@NaderiCenter.com.