Can I have a facelift if I'm on blood thinners (Xarelto)?

Question

I'm on a therapeutic dose of Xarelto. Is it possible to have a face lift?

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I believe that being on anticoagulation is a direct contraindication for facelift/necklift surgery. The biggest problem that could happen is significant bleeding (hematoma) that could cause airway compression, skin necrosis, significant blood loss requiring fluids/transfusion/iron supplementation, and even possibly death. There are some select patients that can be operated on with the help of a hematologist/oncologist to ensure that the blood thinner can be held for surgery and properly resumed when deemed an adequate time frame (by both the plastic surgeon and heme/onc MD). In general, I would recommend avoiding any unnecessary risk, but as long as everyone is aware of the potential risks/complications/complications, it is a possibility.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

You do need to be off of blood thinners to have safe surgery. Many surgeons will work with your Dr. who is prescribing the blood thinners to develop a plan. Sometimes, physicians are ok with you being off of them for a period of time, or they may switch you to a different blood thinner that gets out of your system quicker.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Having a facelift while you are on blood thinners certainly increases your risk of having a hematoma in your face after your surgery. You should check with the physician who put you on Xarelto and find out whether you could pause the medication for a short period of time around the time of your surgery so that your surgery is safer, it decreases your risk of having a hematoma, and you can resume it relatively shortly afterward.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You would need to discontinue your blood thinners for a period of time before and after surgery, typically you would need to get the okay from your primary care doctor or whoever put you on it begin with.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Yes, blood thinners should be stopped few days before surgery per your cardiologist or PCP recommendation and continues after surgery. Good luck.

Can I have a facelift if I'm on blood thinners (Xarelto)?

Answers (7)

Answer: Blood thinners

Answer: Blood thinners

Answer: Face lift and blood thinners

Answer: Face lift and blood thinners

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Can I have a facelift if I'm on blood thinners (Xarelto)?

Answers (7)

Answer: Blood thinners

Answer: Blood thinners

Answer: Face lift and blood thinners

Answer: Face lift and blood thinners

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

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