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Liposuction While on Coumadin?

asked 3 years ago by mystique in US
Latest answer by Robert L. Kraft, MD
Question viewed 473 times
Tags: arms, thighs, fat reduction

I am currently taking Coumadin (I had a pulmonary embolism that has since been surgically removed) and I want to get liposuction. I want to know, being that I am on Coumadin, is Liposuction completely out of the question? And also how common are blood clots a complication of liposuction? I am looking to have my thighs and arms done.

3 answers to Liposuction While on Coumadin?

+1

Liposuction whlle on Coumadin

Coumadin users run a tremendous risk of bleeding, even if taken off Coumadin and switched to Lovinox. I would recommend that you attempt to lose weight. Not every possible surgical procedure is advisable for every patient and I personally would not perform a procedure, particularly one that is not an open surgery in which the surgeon has more control over hemostasis on someone who was taking blood thinners. Blood clots can be a complication of liposuction under certain circumstances. more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction while on Coumadin

Dear Mystique, Why did you have a pulmonary embolism? Do you have a family history or a medical condition that makes your blood MORE coagulable? Was a vena cava filter put in to prevent larger repeated clots from travelling to your heart and lungs? These are VERY important questions. By now you know that each scratch and minor prick bleeds for a very long time. You cannot BEGIN the imagine the bloody mess multiple passes with liposuction cannulae (suction tubes) would cause. The result... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction under coumadin therapy and prior history of clots

The actual data for venous thromboembolism after liposuction is unknown and varies tremendously. However, there are some who believe that this may carry a higher risk when compared to other cosmetic surgical procedures Given your history, I would be somewhat hesitiant to advise liposuction without consulting with your hematologist and discussing the risks.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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