Garlic and Ginger before surgery?

Question

I'm scheduled for liposuction in 9 days. Is eating garlic and ginger problematic? Garlic and ginger supplements are on my "stop" list, but I don't take them. Not thinking, I made a batch of homemade ginger tea (fresh, raw ginger) and drank a cup. Oops. I also have meals planned with lots of fresh ginger and garlic. Should I scrap these?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

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)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Jake Lim, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

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.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

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.

Garlic and Ginger before surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Garlic and Ginger before surgery?

Answer: Garlic and Ginger before surgery?

Answer: I do not recommend ginger or garlic 2 weeks before surgery

Answer: I do not recommend ginger or garlic 2 weeks before surgery

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Garlic and Ginger before surgery?

Answers (9)

Answer: Garlic and Ginger before surgery?

Answer: Garlic and Ginger before surgery?

Answer: I do not recommend ginger or garlic 2 weeks before surgery

Answer: I do not recommend ginger or garlic 2 weeks before surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.