Lovenox injections after surgery?

Hello, if you have concerns about your surgeon's plan to prevent a blood clot during surgery (their DVT prophylaxis protocol) I would recommend you discuss it with them prior to surgery. Many surgeons customize their DVT prophylaxis based each person's risk; lower risk patients receive compression stockings and/or a device that keeps blood flowing in the calves (intermittent pneumatic compression), and higher risk patients receive heparin or Lovenox.  

The question of whether to use Lovenox or other anticoagulation after tummy tuck surgery is one that there is no consensus on.  In patients who are at very high risk, there is an increasing belief that the increased risk of hematoma is more than offset by the reduction in risk for blood clots. If you have had no history of DVT ( blood clots), are currently not tremendously over weight, and the procedure is not lengthy ( 3 hours or less), many surgeons would feel comfortable not using Lovenox.  My preference is due all tummy tucks under sedation rather than general anesthesia which largely eliminates the risk of DVT, which also negates the need for anticoagulation. 

I only use Lovenox in patients that are high risk.  Usually patient's with previous DVT, or larger patients having multiple combined procedures.  I always get a history and physical from their primary care physician as well as necessary blood work. It is always necessary to keep a close watch on post operative patients to try to prevent an event like this, but using the lovenox really helps minimize the risks of a PE.  I would really talk to your surgeon about your concerns as a patient, and having a peace of mind when you are recuperating at home.  Good luck in the future, and I wish you a safe recovery.