Could hormonal birth control (Mirena IUD ring) affect my recovery?

Thank you for sharing your question.  IUD in general do not add a material increase risk of blood clot formation in patients, pending other medical issues or lifestyle choices such as smoking.  Talk to your surgeon about your concerns, they will guide you on the best recommendation with regards to your birth control.

A Mirena IUD releases  the hormone progestin. Unlike estrogen, progestin has not been shown definitively ( ther oare very few studies ) to increase your risk of DVT.  Women who have had a DVT ( bloood clot ) or PE usually are not put back on estrogen based contraceptives but may be placed on progestin contraceptives. The risk of DVT/PE ( blood clot/ pulmonary embolus ) is low with a tummy tuck but not zero. There are many risk factors that should be looked at. Your BMI, previous personal history and family history as well has hormonal use ( birth control pill use or hoemone replacement therapy ) should all be evaluated prior to surgery to help establish some estimate of DVT risk. This may lead to a suggestion that you start a short course of blood thinners after surgery if you are felt to be at high risk. There is not golden rule for who should be on blood thinners after surgery but there are guidlines put out By the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It is worth discussing with your surgeon. Also remember that ther are risk to being on a blood thinner.....post operative bleeding that could lead to a hematoma and a return to the OR. Best of luck to you with your surgery. I'm sure you will be fine.

Dear Banana,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. This is correct - a hormone-eluting IUD can increase your risk of blood clots after elective cosmetic surgery. However, no good data is available to really tell you how much your risk is elevated. Your best advice is to follow your surgeon's recommendations for postop care, and be sure that you are on appropriate blood clot prevention protocols and medications.  Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. Good luck!
Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS