Birth Control Pills and a Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for your question! For my patients having any procedure, I require they stop taking birth control 2 weeks prior to and 3 weeks post surgery. Best of luck!

This is an important question. Birth control pills can increase your risk for clotting especially in the first several months. I would discuss this issue at length with your gynecologist and plastic surgeon for specific recommendations tailored to you and the procedures performed.

You should stop taking birth control pills and estrogen replacement therapy about four to six weeks before surgery because of the risk of blood clots.  Many surgeons advise stopping them. However, please ask your surgeon for their advice.

There is data to suggest that the risk of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are elevated during prolonged anesthetics in patients currently on oral contraceptives. Cessation of these has been advised by some for 4-6 weeks but this is, by no means, a standard practice and may depend on the estrogen content of the medication. It generally will not change the technique but concerns for prhophylactic treatment o DVT such as TEDs/SCDs may be elevated. IF you are at higher risk for DVT consultation with a hematologist for anticoagulant therapy may be an option but his may be asssociated with a higher risk of postoperative bleeding and need for transfusion with its attendant risks.

The previous responses explain the issue, which is small but increased risk of blood clots that could embolize to the lungs which is a very serious complication. If your surgeon has recommended that you discontinue your BCP's before your tummy tuck, it is probably good advice.