Do you have to take blood thinner after tummy tuck ?

My partner and I prescribe a 7 day course of Lovenox (a type of injectable Heparin) to all of our tummy tuck patients.  Our patients, or their caregivers, give themselves this injection each day after their operation. We feel that the chance of having bleeding/hematoma is outweighed by the prevention of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism with the use of Lovenox. 

I have not had to use blood thinners on any patients undergoing tummy tuck except those with high risk for DVT and PE or directed by a hematologist for a hyper coagulable state.

Not usually unless your past medical history dictates the need to do so. This may include a history of hypercoagulability (blood clotting disorder),massive weight loss, oral contraceptive use, smoking, and hormone replacement therapy, all of which may put you at risk for developing clots after a lengthy surgery. Make sure you thoroughly discuss with your operating surgeon your history so he or she can make an informed decision about the use of blood thinners.

If you google "Caprini score" you can evaluate your risk for blood clots after surgery. Things like length of surgery, use of hormones, personal or family history of clots increase your risk.  Patients who score above a certain level are often counseled to take lovenox, a once daily injection for about a week. Blood clots are an uncommon but serious complication of surgery. Other forms of prevention include calf compression machines, compression stockings, and early ambulation. Read up, then discuss with your surgeon. All the best. 

Thank you for your question.  This is actually a controversial topic in plastic surgery.  One of the biggest potential complications of tummy tuck is the risk for developing blood clots and having one go to your lungs.  The consequences of this rare complication is severe and can be life threatening.  This has led may plastic surgeons to prescribe blood thinning medication in the period following tummy tuck.  The risk with prescribing these medications is that it increases the risk of bleeding after surgery.  For this reason, many plastic surgeons will not prescribe blood thinning medication.  In my practice, each individual is evaluated for their risks of developing blood clots, and we make our decision to prescribe or not prescribe blood thinners based on this evaluation.  Ask your surgeon if it is necessary in your case and ask him or her to explain their thoughts.  Hope this was helpful.  

VTE - venous thromboembolism - is a major  and  potentially life threatening problem post any surgery.  Plastic Surgeons pay a lot of attention to it and it is recommended that every patient is evaluated with the Caprini grading system to assess for risk factors.  After that, it gets a bit ill defined and there is no clear standard of care.  I usually add blood thinner post abdominoplasty as the chances of hematoma are relatively low versus the huge consequences of VTE.  In addition, studies show that there is a relatively higher rate of VTE with abdominoplasty and especially with liposuction added.

In our practice, we do not prescribe a blood thinner after tummy tuck as a matter of routine.  If someone has a medical condition that requires it or it may benefit them, then we do.  Blood thinners have their own set of risks and they need to be balanced against the benefits. So it is an individual decision between you and your doctor after evaluating the pros and cons. Best wishes. Below is information on tummy tucks. 

Blood thinners should be avoided before and after surgery.  Alert your surgeon to any medications you are taking.  Best to you!

No, you want to be sure to avoid any medications which can cause blood thinning BOTH before and after surgery for a minimum of 2 weeks. Blood thinners also include alcohol, so be sure to avoid drinking as well.