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

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).

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.

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

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

Answers (8)

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

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

Answer: Birth control pills

Answer: Birth control pills

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.