I'm getting a tummy tuck and BBL next year and I'm using birth control. Should I have it removed before surgery?

Question

If so, how soon before surgery The form of birth control is mirena (IUD)

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

We do not ask the patients who have implantable birth control methods to have them removed before surgery.

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

Studies demonstrate the elevated hormone levels in women who have general anesthesia can increase the risk of blood clot and/or pulmonary embolus.  While this is a very rare complication, we can not tell you that you should not stop the therapy.Mirena is an IUD and it works by manipulating hormone levels (even though you don't have to take a pill).  It's really a great device and a lot of women are happy with it.  So, the hard answer is "NO", you shouldn't have it in place at the time of surgery. While the risk is very low, the philosophical issue is that the down side of being wrong is simply too far down.Speak to your doctor - both the gynecologist and the plastic surgeon before you make any decisions.Good Luck!

Julio Molina, MD · Answer

While on surgery there are many risk that are part of the procedure. By adding some medications, like birth control medications you may add some other factors that may results in complications during your procedure. There has been a well documented case where these medications have been involved in pulmonary embolism and deep venous trombosis, you should discuss that with your doctor and he may feel more confident about stopping the medication, specifically for the tummy tuck you desire.Have a wonderful day!

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

You woud have a somewhat increased risk of thromboembolic problems. The decision on how to proceed with abdominoplasty and birth control cessation has to be made after  a detailed discussion with your Plastic Surgeon and your Gynecologist.  Good Luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Hormone therapy can increase the risk of pulmonary embolism in a substantial operation such as abdominoplasty.  Based on other risk factors, your surgeon may or may not want to have the device removed.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would discuss this risk factor with your plastic surgeon. Look at
reviews and before and after pictures as well as credentials to select
your surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Bahram Ghaderi, MD · Answer

The reason birth control pills are stopped before surgery is to lower the risk of developing blood clots. Any time you are sedentary such as during surgery and the recovery time, your risk of getting a blood clot in your leg goes up. The longer the surgery, the higher the risk.  Typically you would stop taking birth control pills two weeks before surgery and not restart until two weeks after surgery. Each case is different, however. I would recommend discussing with your surgeon before your surgery in time to make any adjustments that are needed.

Ralph R. Garramone, MD · Answer

Thank you for you very good question.There is a low but definite risk of DVT and PE with some surgical procedures.  An abdominoplasty is one of them.  The length of the procedure increases the risk.  You sound like you will be adding a BBL to the tummy tuck so this will add additional time to the procedure and will limit mobility after the procedure as well.For these reasons you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to decide whether to discontinue the birth control. It may be prudent to discuss this with your OB as well.Good luck.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Estrogens are a risk factor for blood clots in the veins and lungs. The decision about removing the device is not always simple, and depends upon other risk factors that may be present, including age, length of operation, personal or family history of blood clots. Your surgeon can determine the risk using a screening test for clotting (a questionnaire) and help with the decision.All the best.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Although the Mirena IUD releases a smaller dose of progestin birth control hormone than the amount released in a standard birth control pill, there still is a chance that the device could increase the risk of thrombophlebitis.  Before you proceed with your mommy makeover discuss this issue with both your plastic surgeon and your gynecologist.  Depending on your overall medical history, they will be able to give you a better risk assessment as to whether or not you should have the IUD removed prior to your surgery.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

I'm getting a tummy tuck and BBL next year and I'm using birth control. Should I have it removed before surgery?

Answers (10)

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