Should I stop NUVARING before BA?

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well..Based on your question, I understand that it would not be necessary, but it would be good to consult with your gynecologist and then with your certified plastic surgeon.

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  For most patients receiving a breast augmentation there is no need to stop birth control precautions.  Hope this helps.

kjb27. The risks for blood clot after breast augmentation are extremely rare, and for that reason I do not answer my patients to start using birth control prior to this particular operation. However, each plastic surgeon have their own criteria. Discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Thank you for your inquiry and I understand your concern. Not all surgeons require patients to stop taking birth control pills before a breast augmentation. If that is a protocol your surgeon follows, it is definitely worth asking whether the NUVARING would be a problem during your procedure. You can also check in with your gynaecologist to get a second recommendation. Many surgeons believe that it is more important for a woman to continue their method of birth control rather than risk an unwanted pregnancy during that time frame. Be sure the specialist surgeon you have chosen is a credentialed surgeon with extensive experience in breast enhancement, so you have peace-of-mind in both the safety and success of your procedure. Best wishes on a positive surgery experience!

Estrogen hormone supplementation is an independent risk factor for blood clots. So, yes, if it is reasonable, you should stop it. There are other factors that are considered in assessing DVT risk such as obesity, length of surgery, clot history etc. There is a scoring system called the Caprini Score that stratifies patients into various risk categories that then have recommended steps to take to lower the risk. If the Nuvaring is the only risk factor, you would still be in the lowest risk group and simple steps during and after surgery have been shown to be sufficient without stopping it.. NOTHING eliminates the risk, "things" just decrease the risk. You should discuss this with your surgeon if you are opposed to removing it.

Any extra source of female hormone can increase your risk of blood clots so the short answer is "yes" you should stop using BCP's or Nuvaring before any elective surgery.  Discuss these issues with your gynecologist to figure out the timing.

Thank you for your question. I would first ask your surgeon and your primary care what they recommend and require. In my practice I have all of my patients discontinue hormonal birth control 2 weeks pre-op (ideally) and resume 1 week post-op. This is an elective procedure so we like to avoid as many complications as possible.

Dr. James Vogel, MD, FACS

For breast augmentation I do not recommend my patients stop taking any hormonal therapy before surgery as the risk of blood clot complications is extremely low.  With that in mind, it would be best for you to follow the instructions your breast augmentation plastic surgeon gives you in preparation for your surgery.  Hope this helps.  Best wishes to you.