Can I get a facelift if I take warfarin? Other options for sagging skin?

Question

I recently had a portal vein thrombosis, cause unknown. I am now taking warfarin and probably will be for life. I had been thinking about a facelift in the next few years (I am 45) but now I am worried I will be considered too high risk. I believe my specialist would agree to heparin cover for surgery but even then, am I likely to find a plastic surgeon? If not, what is my next best option for sagging skin including jowls and nasolabial folds? I am not keen on fillers.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

This is an issue that you will need to discuss with your Internist, because you cannot have a facelift while on warfarin or heparin. With portal vein thrombosis, you may be considered too high a risk for elective surgery.  Some of the anti-platelet agents(dabigatran/ pradaxa) have a shorter half life and can be stopped up to 48 hours prior to surgery.  However, whether or not you are suitable to make such a change is up to your medical team.

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

I agree that most surgeons would not be excited about performing a facelift while on Warfarin. Bridging therapy with Lovenox is an option, however it will be a discussion between yourself, the surgeon, and your doctor managing your anticoagulation regarding when it is safest to restart Warfarin while ruling the risks and benefits. It's always important to keep in mind that we don't want to risk your medical health to perform an elective surgery. Best of luck!

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Your overall health is the most important issue. Your anticoagulation is likely extremely important and stopping it may not be an option.  You may check with your hematologist about whether you could have a quick reversal of your warfarin, a facelift procedure, and then resumption of your warfarin within just one or two days. You would need to coordinate this with your plastic surgeon to see if they are comfortable doing this. If you are not considered a surgical candidate, you may investigate different energy-based skin tightening systems which may improve the areas which you are concerned about. Best wishes.

Jeremy Hunt, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi,
It would not be wise to have a facelift performed while anticoagulated, and i suspect that view will be universal
Non surgical options such as thread lifts could be considered and offer a less invasive, be it less powerful, option that may suit your specific situation
Jeremy Hunt

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

I do not believe any surgeon would agree to a facelift while a patient is on warfarin or even heparin.  The risks are unnecessarily high for surgery.  Your best option is to stay with procedures which do not even break the skin to avoid excessive bleeding.

Can I get a facelift if I take warfarin? Other options for sagging skin?

Answers (7)

Answer: Facelift and Warfarin

Answer: Facelift and Warfarin

Answer: Stay with non surgical options

Answer: Stay with non surgical options

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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Can I get a facelift if I take warfarin? Other options for sagging skin?

Answers (7)

Answer: Facelift and Warfarin

Answer: Facelift and Warfarin

Answer: Stay with non surgical options

Answer: Stay with non surgical options

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.