Is it safe to undergo lipo and BA surgery when you're on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Question

I'm a 57-year-old healthy female that has been on BHRT in pellet form since May 2017. In December I'm having liposuction and breast augmentation and I've read about the risks of blood clots with BHRT. My surgeon says he will use those automatic leg massagers during surgery to prevent clots, but my question is, is it generally safe to have surgery when you're on BHRT? I know there are always risks, but have many of you performed surgeries on patients who are on BHRT?

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. There are many studies that have shown that patients undergoing hormone replacemnet and or are on birth control pills are at a slightly higher risk for a pulmonary embolus that those that are not. Because you are undergoing a combined procedure that includes lipo, I would definitely advise you to come off them prior to surgery. Goos luck.Dr. PG

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you can stop taking them around the time of surgery, that would be better to reduce the risk.Kenneth Hughes, MD

Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question! Personally, I do not think it is worth the risk of having surgery done while taking BHRT. A deep venous thrombosis (blood clot) is very dangerous and the end result can be catastrophic. In my opinion, it is not worth the risk of having a severe complication for an elective aesthetic operation. It is always best to be safe and protect your health before proceeding with surgery. I have all of my patients discontinue the use of hormone replacement therapy before surgery. No one likes to have a complication.All the best!
Alex Zuriarrain, MD - Cleveland Clinic Trained Plastic Surgeon

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes risks of clots is statistical increased on hormone therapy. Best to obtain a written clearance from your bio doctor prior to surgery. I might suggest to stop the estrogen prior to surgery only with the input of your bio doctor..

Is it safe to undergo lipo and BA surgery when you're on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

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Answer: Is it safe to undergo lipo and BA surgery when you're on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Answer: Is it safe to undergo lipo and BA surgery when you're on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

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Is it safe to undergo lipo and BA surgery when you're on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it safe to undergo lipo and BA surgery when you're on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Answer: Is it safe to undergo lipo and BA surgery when you're on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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