Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Can I Have Liposuction and Tummy Tuck While on Coumadin?

I'm 28 yrs old with 2 kids. After having my babies my body is definitely not the same as before. I've had 2 Pulmonary Embolism and have been put on Coumadin.

Lately, I've been considering having Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck. Would I be able to have the surgery being that I am on a blood thinner? Or should I just completely get that thought out of my head?

19 Doctor Answers | Asked by Maria81 in New Jersey
+2

No elective surgery should be performed while on Coumadin

No one should undergo cosmetic surgery while on Coumadin. Given your history of 2 pulmonary emboli, you shouldn't have any cosmetic surgery. Speak with a hematologist (you probably already have) to discuss why you have had emboli. Cosmetic surgery should only be performed in those who are very low risk and you are not. Good luck!
+2

Tummy Tuck on Coumadin?

Hi there- If you were my mother, sister, or wife, there is no way I would let you consider having elective surgery (especially a tummy tuck) given your history.  
+2

Tummy tuck and liposuction on coumadin

Your only chance of having a successful procedure would be to change from from Coumadin to lovenox, low molecular weight heparin. You would need the watchful guidance of a hematologist for this maneuver, and your risk of bleeding would be high. You would most likely need to limit the scope of your surgery considerably. No sense dying to look good!

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+1

Tummy Tuck while on Coumadin?

As others have said, no, you cannot have a tummy tuck while on coumadin. More importantly though, is if you can have elective surgery with your history of pulmonary embolisms. In short, no, I would not recommend that you undergo elective cosmetic surgery with a history of pulmonary embolisms. Even if you were converted from coumadin to a shorter acting blood thinner like lovenox, it seems the risks are too great for someone with your history. Furthermore, I recommend that... more
+1

Tummy Tuck after Pulmonary Embolism

Thank you for the question and for providing a detailed medical history. Although I understand your current concerns and goals I would not suggest that you undergo any procedure unless the procedure was necessary to save your life. Otherwise, the risk-benefit ratio, given your history of pulmonary embolism (2) is unacceptably high. I hope this helps.
+1

Tummy tuck and lipo while on blood thinners

Although medications like Lovenox can decrease the risk of blood clots after surgery, your case I feel is different as you have had two pulmonary emboli requiring you being placed on coumadin indefinitely. Placing a filter in your vena cava to avoid a blood clot going to your lungs could be done but would not help with the possibility of blood clots in your legs or developing a hematoma during the procedures you are interested. Unless they can identify some genetic blood disorder that can be... more
+1

Cannot have have liposuction and tummy tuck while on coumadin

You definitely cannot have liposuction and tummy tuck while you are still taking coumadin. You will need to stop at least one week in advance and have your protime and prothombin time checked to make sure they are within normal limits before your surgery. However, you need to check with the doctor who put you on the coumadin whether he will allow you to be off coumadin for one to two weeks. If not, then I would not consider having liposuction or tummy tuck done. more
+1

Blood thinners should be avoided when having elective cosmetic surgery

Hi Maria81 - Taking unnecessary risks when having elective cosmetic surgery is not a good idea.  Blood thinners should be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery, and this should be cleared with your medical doctors and plastic surgeons first. 
+1

Don't do it.

Your later thought is the sensical approach. Unless you are facing some life threatening indication for a tummy tuck (virtually impossible), there is no reason to undergo this procedure while on coumadin, And even in this scenario, the coumadin would be stopped.
+1

NO TUMMY TUCK on Coumadin and History of a Blood Clot to the Lungs (PE)

No ethical Plastic surgeon in control of his faculties and a well-functioning moral compass would perform ANY elective surgery on you while you are on Coumdin. Such surgery is VERY likely to kill you. Of more pressing interest to me, as well as to my colleagues, would be WHY a 28 year old woman sustained a blood clot to her lungs in the first place. You MUST have been worked up to see if you have either a disease process OR a congenital inherited family disorder which makes your blood clot... more
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Comments (1)

Hi Maria81: I just asked my physician the same exact question and the answer was NO WAY!!! I too have had 2 Pulmonary Embolisms and I am on Coumadin. This is a very serious health risk and life is way too precious to risk it on having a pretty tummy.

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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