Garlic and lip injections. Is it risky?

Question

I'm scheduled for lip injections tomorrow. This issue is, is that there was a tiny bit of minced garlic in some of my veggies and pasta yesterday and tonight. (I had leftovers from an italian place) Could this thin my blood? Last time I had fillers, I had a hematoma formation so I'm absolutely terrified of this happening again. Did I ruin things for myself? Or is the small amount okay? I have been taking arnica for the past 2 days and plan on taking it the day of the injections and the day after.

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't think I would worry much about this.  Hematomas after lip injection are very rare.  I now have gone to using blunt tipped canulas for lip filler, which have greatly decreased the change of bruising and hematomas.  You might ask your injector about this technique.  In my opinion, canulas are a "game changer" for fillers.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for asking your question. You should be able to have injections of Restylane even though you ate garlic. Make sure your injecting physician is aware of your concerns. Arnica and cold compresses can help prevent bruising. Good luck,

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Garlic supplements have been shown to be a very mild blood thinner, much less so than aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, or other common otc products.  Garlic present in foods would have little if any effect on bruising.  Unfortunately, the lip area is more prone to brusing than other areas generally.  Make sure to pre and post treatment apply cold compresses and to avoid oral anticoagulant products.  Potentially discuss with your physician the use of a cannula to decrease bruising (be aware that it may cause more swelling potentially).  But don't worry about avoiding Italian food prior to injections.

Melda A. Isaac, MD · Answer

I wouldn’t worry about the small amount of garlic you ate. While garlic can have a slight blood thinning effect, in small amounts it shouldn’t be significant enough to affect your injections. However, there is always a risk of bruising with any injectable filler, especially in the lips which are very sensitive. Follow your injector’s advice and continue taking arnica, and hopefully you won’t develop a hematoma this time. Good luck.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Garlic is not going to cause any appreciable issues. The blood thinning properties of garlic is hype. I don't stop aspirin before facial and lip fillers.Best Dr Karamanoukian

Garlic and lip injections. Is it risky?

Answers (8)

Answer: I wouldn’t worry about the small amount of garlic you ate.

Answer: I wouldn’t worry about the small amount of garlic you ate.

Answer: Garlic and lip fillers

Answer: Garlic and lip fillers

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Garlic and lip injections. Is it risky?

Answers (8)

Answer: I wouldn’t worry about the small amount of garlic you ate.

Answer: I wouldn’t worry about the small amount of garlic you ate.

Answer: Garlic and lip fillers

Answer: Garlic and lip fillers

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Restylane

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