Will a plastic surgeon do a PICC line if needed if the patient has bad veins?

Question

Will a plastic surgeon do a piccline if needed if the patient has bad veins? I plan on going for an augmentation but I’m 4 years sober from heroin addiction and I have lots of scar tissue. A phlebotomist or doctor can never seem to hit a vein and I always need a piccline

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I have never had a patient get a pic line for " cosmetic  surgery. You should bring the issue up with your surgeon at the time of consultation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, most plastic surgeons do not have the equipment to insert PICC lines, but there are clinics and nursing services that will do this prior to surgery if needed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This is a question that needs to be discussed with your surgeon.  PICC lines are central lines and are more involved than standard IV placement.  Your surgeon will advise what is best for you.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

A Picc line is left in place for quite some time so that meds can be administered over days or weeks. you are not going to get a picc line by anyone for a 60-90 minute procedure. The anesthesiologist, has had far more practice placing hard to get IV in place, than your plastic surgeon. Let the surgicenter know in advance that you are a tough stick so that they can be prepared and get their best IV placer available.

best of luck
david berman md

best of luck
david berman md

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Greetings,
Yours is an interesting question. I personally never have seen a patient requiring a pic line or equivalent for an elective breast augmentation.   I have seen anesthesiologists place a peripheral vein i.v. into a less that visible seemingly impossible to find vein.
The other option available is to use an external jugular neck vein.  Have your plastic surgeon check out this site to see if this could be a reasonable option for you.
Best Regards,

Will a plastic surgeon do a PICC line if needed if the patient has bad veins?

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