Prescription blood thinners are often known to patients as a point of attention. But did you know that ordinary painkillers and freely available supplements, such as fish oil or ginkgo, can also increase the bleeding risk with an eyelid correction? Below you read what to look out for.
Which products does this concern?
- NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory painkillers): ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen), diclofenac (Voltaren), naproxen
- Acetylsalicylic acid: also in low dosage as a ‘blood thinner’, but also in combination preparations for colds/flu
- Fish oil / omega-3 supplements
- Ginkgo biloba
- Vitamin E (in high doses)
- Garlic supplements
- Turmeric/curcumin supplements in high dosage
Why is this relevant?
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen inhibit the action of blood platelets and can increase the bleeding risk during and after an eyelid correction. It is therefore advised to temporarily avoid these painkillers, if possible, around the procedure [1].
Less well known is that certain freely available supplements such as fish oil, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E and garlic supplements can also increase the bleeding risk. Guidelines for blepharoplasty advise stopping these products, where possible, a few weeks before the procedure [1,2].
Paracetamol does not have this effect and is generally a safe choice for pain relief around an eyelid correction.
Points of attention
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen) can increase the bleeding risk [1]
- Supplements such as fish oil, ginkgo, vitamin E and garlic are often forgotten to be reported, but are relevant [1,2]
- Paracetamol is a safe alternative for pain relief
- Combination preparations for colds/flu sometimes contain acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen; check the label
Our protocol at Kliniek het Bolwerk
1. Extensive medical history, including freely available products
We actively ask about the use of painkillers and supplements, even if these are available without a prescription [1,2].
2. Advice to temporarily stop
We advise stopping NSAIDs and the mentioned supplements, where medically responsible, a few weeks before the procedure [1,2].
3. Alternative for pain relief
We advise paracetamol as an alternative for pain relief around the procedure.
4. Clear instructions for after the procedure
We give clear instructions about which pain relief you may and may not use after the procedure, and when you can start again with supplements.
Important: ‘ordinary’, freely available products such as ibuprofen, fish oil and ginkgo can also increase the bleeding risk. Report all your medication and supplements, even if you think it is not relevant.
When do we advise against the procedure (for the time being)?
- Not on the basis of these products alone, but we do ask you to stop them in good time if possible [1,2]
- In the case of combination with prescription blood thinners; see also our blog on blood thinners
Our advice
Are you using ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, fish oil, ginkgo, vitamin E or garlic supplements? Report this during the intake consultation at Kliniek het Bolwerk, so that we can determine together whether and when you can temporarily stop these.
Literature references
The publications below form the medical-scientific basis of this article:
- Complications of Blepharoplasty: Prevention and Management. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3357590/
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Details & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8409-eyelid-surgery-blepharoplasty
