Neck Lift: Q&A

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If You Are on Blood Thinner Can You Get Lift?

I had valve replacement and am on warfin blood thinner. Can I get neck lift?

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21 Doctor Answers | Asked by the king in CT

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Cosmetic surgery while on blood thinners

It is possible to undergo elective cosmetic surgery, such as a neck lift while on blood thinners. It is important to discontinue any blood thinners a week prior to the procedure and two weeks after the procedure so that there is no bleeding underneath the facial structures in the postoperative recovery period. It is a good idea to get clearance from your primary care physician or cardiologist prior to getting off of these blood thinners. There are risks such as blood clots when getting... more

Facelift on blood thinner

You could have a facelift but you would need to be off your blood thinners for a period of time. Also, you should check with your hematologist whether being off of them would be aceptable and pose no risk to you. See my videos.

Facelifts are usually not done for patients who take Coumadin

As a dermatologic surgeon, I do not perform facelifts or neck lifts, but I do perform a large number of reconstructive cases on my Mohs surgery patients. Those patients who are taking Coumadin are told not to stop their medication but we work with their internist or cardiologist to maintain their INR in a reasonable level. This type of surgery, for skin cancer, improves the benefit to risk ratio but elective cosmetic surgery does not have such a good ratio because the need for surgery... more

Neck lift on blood thinners

This depends on the type of neck lift you need. Traditional undermining and flap development probably not advisable on Warfarin/Coumadin. If you are male with a "turkey gobbler," consider a submental T-Z excision under local anesthesia, popularized by Drs. Tom Biggs (Houston) and Gilbert Gradinger (Northern California). If your skin elasticity is good and fat is the primary problem, tumescent syringe liposuction with half percent lidocaine and epinephrine (local... more

Neck and Face Lift on Blood Thinners

Blood thinners make it harder for blood to clot. With surgery, the body releases substances into the wound that increase clotting. Therefore, it is possible to undergo such a procedure while on blood thinners as long as the level is minimal. We are also using blood thinners to prevent leg vein clots in people undergoing neck and face lifts. Of course, it is ideal to be off all such medication before any such surgery, as they increase your risks of severe bruising or bleeding under the flap... more

Facelift while on Warfarin or Coumadin

You will have to stop these medications (as well as any heparin-like medications) under the supervision of your cardiologist prior to the face and neck lift. Because of the unacceptable high risk for hematomas, your blood clotting ability need to be normal or near-normal.

No facelifts on blood thinners

Unfortunately, your blood thnner is vital to prevent clots on your valve which could lead to serious problems like stroke or death. It wouldn't be safe to go off these thinners unless your cardiologist blessed this plan. Assuming they won't, you can't do a neck lift because you will get a hematoma, require further surgery, could have skin die etc. Just not safe to do.

Not recommended, discuss with your cardiologist first

I would not recommend a face and neck lift if you are on a blood thinners such as coumadin or warfarin. There are instances that under appropriate cardiology care, one can come Off these thinners and have plastic surgery. I would discuss with your cardiologist first. see video

Babak Azizzadeh, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.facialplastics.info

On a blood thinner but want neck surgery

I would definitely proceed with caution. Your plastic surgeon will have to coordinate well with your cardiologist to see if you could be safely converted to a short acting blood thinner like Lovenox. However, it's unlikely your cardiologist would agree to this for a cosmetic procedure. In the end, your heart and your health should be a priority to any elective cosmetic surgery. You could also consider less invasive techniques like lasers to see if that help... more

Neck lifts are risky with blood thinners

Generaly, valve replacement patients are maintained at high INR's - 2.0-3.0. I, for one, would be terrified of hematoma (or worse) as a complication of a necklift in a patient with this degree of anticoagulation. While you might be able to stop your blood thinners and have surgery, you likely do so at increased risk of stroke.

Blood thinners and neck lift

If you are unable for medical reasons to be off your blood thinners, then you absolutely can not have a neck lfit performed.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Blood thinners and a lift

No. Your chances of bleeding, bruising and forming clots would be much higher and in my opinion not worth it , as the recovery from potential complications would be much longer. Dr Siegel

Michel Siegel, MD

37 reviews

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

houstonfaces.com

Lifts while on blood thinners can be a challenge

It is possible to rejuvenate the neck while on blood thinners. First and foremost, your cardiologist needs to determine if it is possible for you to discontinue use of blood thinners such as Coumadin or Warfarin for an elective cosmetic procedure such as a neck lift. If so, you would have to decide if you are willing to assume the risks associated with discontinuing such medication. If you cannot or do not feel comfortable discontinuing such medication, procedures to... more

Anticoagulation and surgery, risks more than just bleeding

Many patients who are on blood thinners are advised to obtain the approval of their anticoagulating physicians before going off the anticoagulants. I know of one case (not my patient), resulting in a stroke after elective cosmetic surgery from stopping their anticoagulation before their facelift. There is always risk involved in surgery, and more so if other medical conditions are present. My job is to recommend the safest path to your rejuvenation, and... more

On Coumadin Blood Thinner for a Heart Valve. Can I STILL Get a Neck Lift?

Regarding: "If You Are on Blood Thinner Can You Get Lift? I had valve replacement and am on warfin blood thinner. Can I get neck lift?" Heart valves come in 2 large classes: MECHANICAL and PIG. Once pig valves are placed in our body they shortly become covered by smooth blood vessel lining cells and are not a risk for clot creation. This is NOT the case for mechanical valves. These valves last much longer but owing to their plastic lining pose an on-going clotting risk... more

Blood thinners and elective cosmetic surgery

I do not recommend any elective cosmetic surgery while you are on Coumadin. You will need to visit with your cardiologist and/or hematologist to see if and when it is OK for you to hold your blood thinners or consider an temporary alternative like Lovenox. Approach with caution.

Necklift while on blood thinners?

Hello, The short answer in my practice, "no" I believe in this case the risk benefit ratio is not a good one even under local anesthesia Best, Dr. Malouf

Neck lift on blood thinners

Generally speaking, the risk of forming a clot on your valve which causes a possible stroke outsweighs the benefits of a neck lift. Your cardiologist would likely advise you similarly but if they felt comfortable with cessation of the warfarin peri-operatively, it could be a consideration.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Neck lift on a blood thinner

Thanks for the question. Prior to undergoing a neck lift, you must have coagulation studies within the normal range. Being on warfarin would preclude this. You will have to stop this medication by recommendation and management of your prescribing physician prior to your surgical procedure, if he/she deems it safe for you to be off the blood thinner. Warmest Regards, Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Neck lift, blood thinners

Neck lift carries a significant risk of haematoma that can be life threatening. With blood thinners the risk is even higher. It is still not a contraindication, if the surgeon is well prepared. I would perform the procedure with tumescent anaesthesia (local) and light sedation and minimally dissect the skin. Use proper drainage post operatively and closely monitor the patient.