Is VaserLipo safe for those of us on warfarin for life? If not is there a procedures for us to get rid of these lovehandles?

Question

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Vaser lipo can be done with #medication use. However, the main concern is the reason or condition the medication is being used for, and, if that is a #contraindication to the procedure. Therefore it really depends on the medication and reason of use.  Without seeing you in-person or knowing your #medical history , it's difficult to confirm if you are an ideal #candidate. Hence, it's best to begin with an in-person consultation with a board certified surgeon to learn more. That way you can discuss any of your concerns and if #vaser is right for you at this time. In addition to a required one-on-one consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon, patients always need to be seen by their primary care doctor prior to such procedures.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello brt653109,Thanks for your question.Yes, you can have liposuction surgery even if you need lifelong coumadin therapy.  Working with your primary doctor and a hematologist, you can be put onto bridge therapy for surgery.  Depending on the reason for the anticoagulation, your plastic surgeon would first confirm with your medical team that your coumadin could temporarily be held.  If so, you typically stop it 5 days before surgery.  Then you get daily injection therapy of a short term anticoagulant up until the night before surgery.  The next morning you have your surgery.  You hold anticoagulation for 24 hours more, then restart both the injections and the coumadin.You are at higher risk for both bruising and possibly increased post-operative bleeding, but with liposuction, it is less of an issue.  The reality is that liposuction is elective surgery.  You don't need to have it done.  You could get a trainer and use diet and exercise to decrease your lovehandles.Also, non-invasive fat removal such as Coolsculpting could be used, but you would still need to hold your coumadin to avoid bleeding into the frozen fat.Speak with your physicians to see if they would allow you to hold your coumadin and go see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, you would be at increased risk for post op bleeding and bruising.  It also depends on how much fat is to be suctioned.  Vaser and Smart Lipo offer advantages over traditional liposuction for decreased bleeding and bruising. Tumescent or wet technique also helps limit bleeding. with proper medical clearance, it may be possible. You may also consider noninvasive modalities we have in our office  such as Cool Sculpting- you may also bruise and may not have as much fat removed as lipsouction.A consultation with a plastic surgeon who offers multiple modalities would be recommended..

Alexandra Chambers, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Warfarin will make you very prone to bleeding during the operation. On the balance most surgeons will not subject you to a risk of hemorrhaging for the elective cosmetic surgery as risks will outweigh the benefits.INR will determine how much your blood is thinned.If you cannot stop your anticoagulant it is better to loose weight by natural means.

Is VaserLipo safe for those of us on warfarin for life? If not is there a procedures for us to get rid of these lovehandles?

Answers (4)

Answer: Anticoagulants and surgery

Answer: Anticoagulants and surgery

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Everything you need to know about Vaser Liposuction

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

Is VaserLipo safe for those of us on warfarin for life? If not is there a procedures for us to get rid of these lovehandles?

Answers (4)

Answer: Anticoagulants and surgery

Answer: Anticoagulants and surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Vaser Liposuction

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