Q: Should I discontinue blood thinners prior to a cosmetic procedure? A: Typically, it’s not the standard to discontinue a therapeutic blood thinner for cosmetic procedures –To put this in perspective, we routinely perform cutaneous surgeries for skin cancer as well as other skin conditions. We DO NOT ask patients to discontinue their blood thinners prior to surgery because the risk of having a stroke or heart attack weigh much more heavily than blood loss which we are comfortable controlling intraoperatively. Q: I’m not on prescriptive blood thinners but I do take supplements. Can these thin my blood and make me more likely to bruise? A: Yes, it is well known that many herbs, vitamins and cofactors can have blood thinning effects among other functions. Here is a list of the more commonly consumed “blood thinners” you may not realize have this effect.
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- Omega3s– these can be found in cold water fish, krill, cod liver oil, borage oil and flax seeds.
- Garlic – an herb commonly used in cooking as well as complementary medicine, to lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as balance gut bacteria and support the immune system.
- Vitamin E – a fat soluble vitamin and antioxidant which supports immune function and cell health.
- Turmeric – a potent anti-inflammatory antioxidant containing root used traditionally in Ayurveda as well as modern day complementary medicine.
- Willow bark – contains salicin which actively reduces joint pain and inflammation without the negative gastric effects.
- Ginseng – a root which is used to benefit sexual libido, energy levels, and brain performance.
- Primrose Oil – commonly used to reduce symptoms of menopause, PMS and treat skin conditions.
- Red Clover – often used to reduce symptoms of menopause due to it’s estrogenic effects.
- Fenugreek – an anti-inflammatory and galactogogue (stimulates milk production).
- Ginger – a flavorful root used in cooking as well as nausea and indigestion suppression as well as many other medicinal applications.
- Ginkgo Biloba – a popular vasodilator used to enhance memory and brain function.
- Cinnamon – an anti-inflammatory spice which has been studied to lower blood sugar levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as well as soothe digestive discomfort.
- Grape Seed Extract -studied as an aid to poor circulation and a potential mild alleviator of high cholesterol.