Is breast augmentation possible when you’re on a blood thinner?

Question

I’m a 26 y/o and currently take Xarelto for history of DVT (protein s deficiency and mthfr gene mutation). I’m wondering if breast augmentation is still possible

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Each surgeon will have their own protocol they wish to follow in regards to medical history.  It may be a reason a surgeon chooses to do the patients surgery in the hospital vs a ambulatory center.  I would suggest seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options.  Best of luck to you.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

No. The risk of bleeding would be unacceptably high for an elective procedure. Additionally, stopping a blood thinner in someone with genetic predisposition for clotting is also danger. Sorry and hope you are well.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of former patients with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size breast implant is right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the implants have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend patients discontinue blood thinning products for two weeks before surgery. I recommend your to address this with your chosen surgeon. Best of luck!

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your medical history certainly puts you at an increased risk of bleeding and bruising but the good need is that with a carefully and precisely performed breast augmentation the amount of predictable blood loss should be just about zero. That said, it would be necessary for you to be evaluated by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose results appeal to you based on his or her Before and After gallery. Best of luck to you.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  A thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure would need to be had so that you are fully informed, and a surgical clearance by your hematologist required in order to appropriately treat your DVT in the preoperative period.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear loganteresa,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You will need to get a clearance from your bdoctor prior to surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Typically blood thinning medications should be stopped for a period of time before surgery.  The protocols will vary by surgeon.  You will want to speak to the provider who prescribed the Xarelto about your desire for elective plastic surgery to get clearance and instructions about temporarily not taking the medication.

Andrew Gear, MD · Answer

The short answer is yes. I’ve done breast augmentations and other cosmetic procedures on patients with clotting disorders requiring anticoagulation such as Xarelto. You will need to work carefully with your hematologist to construct a bridging therapy regimen that is reversible usually involving heparin derivatives.  That aside, does put you at some risk for bleeding complications.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

With your medical history you are increased risk for developing blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) in your legs which could break off and travel to your lungs (pulmonary embolus).  When you are on anticoagulants (blood thinners, Xarelto) now you are at increased risk for bleeding, especially during surgery.

In this situation, I would talk with your hematologist about the risk of complications if you have the breast implant surgery.  Typically, we would stop the blood thinners 2 weeks prior to surgery and then re-start the blood thinners the day after surgery.  That way, you don't have the increased risk of bleeding during surgery and the only time off the blood thinners is 2 weeks.  But, I must emphasize, this is up to your hematologist to decide the risk and if you can be off your meds for the 2 weeks prior to surgery.

Always consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs breast implant surgery frequently to assure the best possible result.

Good Luck!

Is breast augmentation possible when you’re on a blood thinner?

Answers (13)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Adipogen-C treatment - Is it safe to inject glucose into the breast for a non-surgical breast enhancement?

Large areolas, inverted nipples and stretch marks. What are my options? I'm 23.

Breast augmentation post stroke? I had a stroke July 2019. (photo)

Are my breasts saggy? What can I do? I'm 34 years old. (photos)

What would happen if I got the breast implants and then lost 100 lbs?

I currently have Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Can I still get plastic surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS