Lipo with superficial thrombosis due to pregnancy, would I need blood thinners?

If you have a history of superficial thrombosis due to pregnancy and you're considering undergoing liposuction, it's crucial to discuss your medical history and any previous thrombotic events with your plastic surgeon and primary care physician. While liposuction itself doesn't typically pose a high risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), individuals with a history of thrombotic events may have an increased risk of developing blood clots during and after surgery.
The decision to use blood thinners (anticoagulants) during and after liposuction will depend on various factors, including:
1. The Severity of Thrombosis: If you have a history of superficial thrombosis due to pregnancy, the risk of clot formation may be lower compared to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). However, your plastic surgeon and healthcare provider will assess the severity and location of previous thrombotic events to determine the appropriate precautions and management.
2. Surgical Technique and Duration: The extent of liposuction, surgical technique, and duration of the procedure can influence the risk of clot formation. Longer procedures and more extensive liposuction may increase the risk of blood clots, especially in individuals with a history of thrombosis.
3. Individual Risk Factors: Other individual factors, such as age, BMI (body mass index), smoking history, use of hormonal medications (e.g., birth control pills), and underlying medical conditions (e.g., clotting disorders), can also affect the risk of thrombosis and guide the decision regarding blood thinner use.
4. Preoperative Evaluation: Before undergoing liposuction, you will likely undergo a comprehensive preoperative evaluation, including a review of your medical history, physical examination, and possibly laboratory tests or imaging studies to assess your risk of thrombotic complications.
Based on the evaluation and assessment of your individual risk factors, your healthcare team may recommend preventive measures to reduce the risk of blood clots during and after liposuction, which may include:
• Preoperative optimization of medical conditions
• Use of compression garments during and after surgery
• Early ambulation and mobilization after surgery
• Graduated compression stockings
• Administration of prophylactic blood thinners (anticoagulants) before, during, and/or after surgery in some cases
It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's preoperative and postoperative instructions carefully and communicate any concerns or questions you may have about blood clot prevention and management. By working closely with your healthcare team and following recommended guidelines, you can minimize the risk of thrombotic complications and ensure a safe and successful outcome from liposuction.

Each plastic surgeon will have their own view.We generally I’m more concerned with deep vein thrombosis than thrombophlebitis in regards to risk of having serious medical problems after elective cosmetic surgery.Lower extremity liposuction is technically challenging and especially below the knees.Most plastic surgeons do not do liposuction of the calf and ankles.The area is technically difficult to treat and prone to severe swelling afterwards.I generally only treat calves and ankles in very rare circumstances.My practice is devoted exclusively to Liposuction and transfer procedures only and has been for 15 years. I typically treat calves and ankles once every couple of years.Liposuction is also difficult and often skin laxity will prevent patients from being good candidates so results can lead to disappointment.The number of plastic surgeons truly mastered Liposuction is also quite small.Delivering consistent quality Liposuction is much more difficult than most people realize. The fact that somebody is willing to do the procedure with your history i’m having had a superficial blood clot, does not mean that you’re a good candidate or that you should have the procedure.I suggest having a multiple in person consultation to hear what each provider has to say about your medical history, to get a good assessment if Liposuction is appropriate, and to begin vetting plastic surgeons to choose a provider who has sufficient skill and experience to do this kind of work.Finding the right provider is not going to be easy or straightforward. Best,Mats Hagstrom, MD