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Are There Any Risks to Using Low-dose Heparin for Tummy Tuck?

asked 2 years ago by creampie in East Orange NJ
Latest answer by Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Question viewed 187 times
Tags: risk

what is the purpose of a blood thinner and what are the benifits/risks?

4 answers to Are There Any Risks to Using Low-dose Heparin for Tummy Tuck?

+1

Heparin and tummy tucks

As has been said, the major risk of a tummy tuck is blood clots and PE which can be fatal.  The major risk of heparin is postop bleeding which may require further surgery.  In a properly selected, healthy, non-obese, highly motivated and well-educated patient, the risks of heparin outweigh their benefit in my opinion.  I use all the other devices and insist on early ambulation and have not had a DVT or PE in 25 years of doing a huge number of tummy tucks. If you are at... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Blood Clots And Cosmetic Surgery

Their is a fine balance during larger cosmetic surgeries between bleeding too much and preventing blood clots.  During surgery, blood has a tendency to pool in your legs if precautions are not taken.  Usually this involves devices on your legs, called SCDs ( or sequential compression devices)thatcompress and massage your legs during surgery.  For most people this is enough to prevent blood clots that may form and then travel to your lungs ( called a PE or pulmonary... more
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks of Blood Thinners and Cosmetic Surgery

One of the worst complications of Tummy tuck surgery is the movement of blood clots which formed in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis to the heart - PULMONARY EMBOLUS (PE). This can be fatal. Clotting of the deep veins (DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS, DVT) is associated with MANY factors (certain genes, certain medications (Birth control pills, estrogens), immobility, prolonged surgery, dehydration and even cancers). Tummy Tuck surgery has a definite risk of DVT and of PE. To reduce the... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Heparin therapy for tummy tuck surgery

The purpose of a blood thinner is to thin the blood. How thin? Ahh that is the problem. IF it is not thin enough you could get a clot which could travel to your heart and/or lungs causing obstruction and possibly death. IF it is too thin, you could bleed requiring more surgery and/or transfusion. Heparin has the potential for platelet dysfunction. These are only a few of the risks and benefits.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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