Is stopping birth control pills mandatory prior to breast reduction surgery?

Question

Is stopping birth controls pills mandatory prior to breast reduction surgery? If not stopped, can surgery still go on? How long ahead of surgery should they be stopped. ?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Maddy M,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol, which he recommends to his patients. Some plastic surgeons ask their patients to stop using birth control, others don't. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This may reduce the risk of blood clots if you were to stop taking the birth control. Recommend that you ask your plastic surgeon as his/her decision will weigh the risks and benefits to you. Be sure you follow your PS's pre and post-operative protocols.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You must follow the advice of your surgeon in this one. If you were instructed to stop your pills before surgery it may be to reduce the risk of clots. I don’t require this if my patients but make sure you follow your surgeons advice.

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

There's no firm guidelines about this but in general I ask my patients to stop birth control pills two weeks before surgery and then restart them two weeks after.  Theoretically, stopping birth control pills around the time of surgery might decrease the risk of a blood clot, but since patients are walking immediately after a breast reduction the risk is already extremely low.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon as opinions vary.  It is important to discuss all medications that you take including prescription, over the counter, and supplements.  This is for your safety.  Your surgeon will advise you which need to be stopped and the timing of doing so.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
You do not need to stop birth control pills prior to surgery. Check with your surgeon regarding his/her protocol on all medications. Best of luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

No, not necessarily;  there is no "universally" accepted standard of practice in this regard.  In other words, different plastic surgeons will manage the use of oral contraceptives differently.   Therefore, best to run this question by your plastic surgeon who knows your risk factors ( and who is responsible for your care). Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with (this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform).

Sybile Val, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding all medications and supplements.   Depending on health history, some surgeons will want to adjust or stop certain medications prior to surgery.  Some surgeons will advise stopping oral contraceptives prior to surgery to lesson the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Every plastic surgeon has developed their own individual protocol of patient care based upon their training and years of clinical experience.  Some will advise cessation of oral contraceptives before surgery to lessen the risk of deep vein thrombosis.I recommend that you follow your surgeon's advice.Best wishes...

Is stopping birth control pills mandatory prior to breast reduction surgery?

Answers (9)

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