This invention relates to compositions for reducing levels of arachidonic acid (omega-6) found at the cellular level in tissue after surgery, wherein the composition consists of an effective amount of at least one fatty acid. In certain embodiments, the composition includes omega-3 fatty acids, which may comprise the triglyceride form. The omega-3 fatty acids of the present invention may comprise eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in an amount greater than 600 mg. The omega-3 fatty acids may also comprise docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in an amount greater than 500 mg. In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention comprises an amount of EPA and an amount of DHA in a 3:1 ratio. Correspondingly, the present invention is further directed to methods for reducing inflammation in tissue after surgery. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of: (1) administering preoperatively and/or postoperatively a composition consisting of at least one single fatty acid, wherein the single fatty acid may include omega-3 fatty acids that are in the triglyceride form, (2) increasing levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3's in the tissue； and (3) decreasing levels of inflammatory omega-6's (arachidonic acid) in the tissue, thereby reducing post surgical inflammation by means of reducing the prostaglandin precursors and increasing the anti-inflammatory and resolvins available at the surgical site.
