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)

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.  

I don't think consumption of these products will have any effect. Nevertheless, this is something you should confess to your own surgeon.

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.

Thank you for your question. We tell our patients to avoid any health food teas, herbal remedies or herbal vitamins one week before surgery. They may contain gingko, garlic, parsley, Vitamin E, ginsend, or a natural salicylate which may increase your bruising. Every plastic surgeon has different guidelines, so please consult with your surgeon. Best Wishes, Dr. Mentz

All supplements like garlic and ginger pills should be stopped  2-3 weeks before surgery.  Both of these in pill form have been shown to  decrease platelet activity and therefore increase bleeding and bruising.  Garlic and ginger in the diet in non-concentrated amounts would have a minimal effect in small amounts and I have never seen a recommendation to stop small amounts.  Having said that, I  would discuss this with your surgeon and avoid large amounts of these.Good luck

Supplements with garlic and ginger should be avoided prior to surgery.  The foods are fine unless done in excessive amounts.