Waco Facelift doctors

	Mario Diana, MD San Antonio Plastic Surgeon 19234 Stonehue Suite 101, San Antonio		1 answer
	Thomas T. Jeneby, MD San Antonio Plastic Surgeon 7272 Wurzbach Unit 801 801, San Antonio
	Robert A.M. Gardere, MD Waco Plastic Surgeon 3115 Pine Ave Suite 908, Waco
	Eric O'Neill, M.D. Waco Plastic Surgeon Waco

Recent Answers

I Had A Pulmonary Embolism 28 Years Ago. I Am Considering Having a Face Lift. Is There Still a Big Risk? 28 years ago I had a pulmonary embolism. At that time I was a heavy smoker and had traveled a long plane flight while feeling under the weather. I was hospitalized for about 2 weeks and took blood thinners for approx.6 months. I have had no other episodes or complications from this event and I quit smoking at that time. I am now 67 years old and am considering a 4-5 hour elective surgery for a face lift. Am I still at risk for complications because of the previous pulmonary embolism event?

A: Facelift and risk of pulmonary embolism

A surgical procedure lasting four or five hours has an elevated risk of deep vein clot. In patients with a previous history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) resulting in pulmonary embolism the risk is increased further. Calculating risk of another episode is difficult. Options that decrease risk of DVT include:

Local anesthesia with mild sedation. Dramatically lower rate of DVT
Shorter procedures and avoid combining procedures (like Blepharoplasty)
Sequential compression devices until completely able to walk normally
Low molecular weight heparin

Complete medical clearance and evaluation of heart and lung health is highly recommended.

Mario Diana, MD

San Antonio Plastic Surgeon