Garlic and Ginger before surgery?

Garlic supplements and garlic containing dietary supplements are well know to cause increased bleeding in surgery ( see National Institute of Health link bellow: "Are there safety concerns?" section). Therefore, these supplements should be avoided prior surgery. Garlic seasoning in food, when used in small amounts, may now cause any bleeding problems, since the total amount of garlic is quite low ( daily requirements) compared with the garlic supplements. However, garlic rich food like "gambas al ajillo" ( garlic shrimp) should be avoided prior surgery to be in the safe side. John Mes, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
New Jersey (NJ) & New York City (NYC)

Some supplements, such as garlic and ginger, can increase bleeding during surgery and therefore should be avoided.  A small amount included in your diet is generally ok, as long as it's not excessive.  I would not plan meals that have large amounts of these herbs in them.  The best bet is to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon.

Yes I would scrap them.  It is not worth the risk of a post operative complication although the chances of that are low the consequences are expensive

I usually advise my patients to stop all non prescription and herbal medications 2 weeks prior to surgery as they may interfere with blood clotting and causes more risks of bleeding and bruising. I think having ginger and garlic in foods is fine.

I general, I ask my patients to stop all non-prescription meds, supplements etc to stop 2 weeks before surgery.  SOme of them may increase risk of bleeding and bruising.