I'm Taking 7 1/2 Mgs of Coumadin Daily, Could I Be a Candidate for Laser Breast Reduction?

asked 7 months ago by reneebchgrl3 in Santa Cruz, CA
Latest answer by John Whitt, MD
Question viewed 133 times
Tags: candidate, coumadin, laser, medication

I am 57yo female. I take 7 1/2 mgs of coumadin a day for a past DVT. I would like to know if I could be a candidate for laser breast reduction? Very interested in this procedure.

8 answers to I'm Taking 7 1/2 Mgs of Coumadin Daily, Could I Be a Candidate for Laser Breast Reduction?

Coumadin Needs To Be Stopped For Tummy Tuck

You really should stop your coumadin before undergoing a tummy tuck (laser or otherwise). If your DVT was over a year ago, your physician will probably OK this. You are, however, at an increased risk of having another DVT with your tummy tuck (no matter how long ago the first DVT occured). Your surgeon may want to use Lovenox to decrease the chance of repeat DVT. Lovenox will decrease the chance of hematoma, etc. compared to the coumadin.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction and Anticoagulants

Thank you for the question. You would have to be off of anticoagulants (if deemed appropriate/safe by your prescribing physician) before undergoing the breast reduction procedure using any technique. I would also suggest evaluation by a hematologist to help with diagnosing any clotting disorder that may predispose you to further DVT around the time of surgery. As you can tell, undergoing elective surgery in your case is a serious matter. Best wishes. more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Laser breast reduction

First, I never heard of a laser breast reduction. If it is using a laser to cut the skin then that would be anything special. As for the coumadin, you would have to stop it only if your medical doctor would allow you to. A medical clearacne would be essential and the reason for coumadin use shoudl be better explained.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

"Laser" breast reduction is a gimmick. Need to be off Coumadin

A laser is simply a tool. It really offers no advantage when it comes to a breast reduction. So you should not view this as a logical alternative. You would be well advised to have a vertical reduction instead of a traditional inverted-T, inferior pedicle procedure because the results are better and there is less bleeding. But be sure to go to someone experienced in this technique. However, whatever procedure you have, you need to be off Coumadin for at least... more

Eric Swanson MD
Leawood Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction and Coumadin

Thank you for your question. The fact that that you are taking Coumadin for a history of DVT is important for several reasons. firstly, no matter what technique your surgeon uses, whether he/ she is ising a laser or standard cautery to perform your surgery, you are at increased risk of bleeding, and therefore the Coumadin would need to be stopped 3 to 4 days before the surgery. An INR would need to be performed on the day of your procedure to confirm that it has normalized. Secondly,... more

Wilfred Brown, MD
Fairfield Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction, Anticoagulants

If you mean a laser reduction where you simply tighten the skin with laser treatments, save your money. If it is any other type of reduction, you would need to be off coumadin with normal coagulation times in order to have the surgery. You need to consult with the doctor prescribing the coumadin to see if it is safe to be off the drug for a period of time.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction and Coumadin-Possible?

Thank you for your question. All breast reductions require some form of surgical trauma to the breast including cutting and suturing. Even liposuction reductions require the trauma of liposuctioning to achieve the end result. Because you are on Coumadin, a very powerful and long-lasting blood thinner, you are at very high risk for significant bleeding during and after a reduction procedure. The use of a laser to help perform the procedure does not alter this risk and... more

Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

Laser breast reduction while on Coumadin

All breast reductions involve cutting and suturing. Personally, I am dubious as to the laser reduction and am unsure whether this refers to the use of the laser for cutting purposes during the conventional operation or laser skin tightening. In either case, a patient on Coumadin should not undergo cosmetic surgery and I would find no medical reason to have you stop taking the medication. For skin cancers, the plastic surgeon works with the internist or cardiologist to... more