How long after surgery is the safe zone for blood clots?

Answers to questions such as this are not simple. DVT, or dangerous blood clots in deep veins, are affected by the lenghth and type of surgery performed. Mommy makeovers, as you are interested in, are higher risk for DVT, but there are many things that can prevent this. I recommend take-home SCD’s, a pulse oximeter, and TED hose, as well as Lovenox injections for 5 days followed by a week of aspirin use, early ambulation, and incentive spirometry. This combination of interventions has led to 0% incidence of DVT/PE for over 10 yrs of successful cosmetic surgery in my practice. Good luck!

After
a mommy makeover, it takes time for the implants to settle (if you got
implants) and it takes time for the swelling to resolve. This can take up
to 6 months so I don't usually recommend any revisions for that time. Specific
questions about problems with the surgery are usually best directed to the
plastic surgeon who performed your surgery. Thanks for your question!

The majority of clots form during surgery and present within the first few days following surgery.  Mobility, or early ambulation is advantageous towards the prevention of clots.As soon as possible following your tummy tuck, begin ambulating to the bathroom and taking steps around in the house.Blood clot incidence is greatly reduced if sequential compression devices are placed on patients during surgery.  All patients in my practice have these devices placed before each surgery.  They simulate walking during the procedure by compressing the lower foot and leg.  This increases blood flow back to the heart and prevents clots following surgery.

Most clots form during surgery if not in the first week.  Early mobilization, active compression of legs during surgery and blood thinners are ways to decrease your risk of blood clots.  As a patient you can decrease this potential by moving around after surgery rather then staying in bed.  You don't need to be active and exertional to decrease blood clots only mobile.  Following 1 week the risk greatly decreases.    

Great question. This is a bit variable, and usually the risk of clots is highest in the first week or two, but lingers for about a month after surgery. This is particularly when we talk about tummy tucks. All surgeries in theory have risks of blood clots, and tummy tucks, while still quite low a risk, have a slightly higher risk than some of the other surgeries that we do. That's why it's important to be out of bed and ambulating the day of surgery. We use many things intraoperatively to minimize your risk, such as heparin injections and pneumatic compression boots, which help keep your circulation going and minimize risk of clots.
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

The risk of developing blood clots is highest in the first week after surgery.  There are many interventions that can be done to minimize the risk.  Begin by discussing your medical history with your surgeon prior to surgery.  Include all medications that you take as well.  During surgery many surgeons use SCD's and compression hose to lower risk.  After surgery making sure you get up to walk regularly, perform deep breathing exercises multiple times a day, and following your surgeon's advice will keep your risk as low as possible.

The safe answer to this question is one month. The great majority of blood clots normally present within the first week of surgery. The incidence tapers over the next several weeks. This type of surgery is safe if it is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, in properly selected patient's in an accredited surgical facility. Many surgeons employ a risk assessment protocol for the development of blood clots and pulmonary embolism in each patient. If you score high enough in the risk assessment you may be placed on some type of blood thinner after surgery. Many surgeons employ sequential compression stockings during surgery to help your blood to continue to move thus helping prevent the formation of a blood clot during the operation. It is very important that you ambulate regularly after the procedure to help further prevent this problem. Good luck

The vast majority of thromboembolic complications occur within the first few days after surgery.  It would be very unusual (but still possible) to see deep venous thrombosis  present after 2 weeks.  Best wishes. 

The typical time frame where blood clots in your veins, DVT's, are at the highest risk are the first 3-5 days after surgery.  This begins at the time you begin your surgery until you are more mobile afterwards.  There are many measures that your doctors will take to avoid and minimize these risks.  After 5 days the risk of blood clots begins to decrease rapidly.

The first few days are the time when blood clots form. The vast majority of clots are not fatal. In over 30 years of practice I have ony seen 2 patients with the problem and both survived.