Previous Clotting Issue/IVC filter implanted - will it hinder tummy tuck?

Hello @BizzyLizzy72, thank you for your question. Is important you consult with your hematologist, if you have your doctor approval yes you can have your surgery. Keep in mind that for any surgery you want to undergo, you need to be in good health, which reduces the risks in the operating room. I suggest you consult with several board certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez, MD FACS

Thank you for your question regarding an IVC filter and your desire to have a mommy maker. An IVC filter in your inferior vena cava catches clots on their way back to the heart. The critical question would be what your hematologist, blood thinner, or blood clot doctor suggests. If they say that you are cleared for surgery, I imagine you could proceed with the surgeries. Another critical question is where you are currently on blood thinners. Many people with IVC filters are on a lifelong blood thinner. If you are, the blood thinners will need to be stopped; during surgery, you'd be allowed a healing time, and then the blood thinners are restarted. This needs to be coordinated with your hematologist regarding your end and start date. I performed these procedures with patients on IVC filters, but it requires coordination with medical team members, specifically the hematologists and your plastic surgeon. In addition, I would also suggest decreasing the risk of blood clots that your surgeries be staged. Perhaps you would perform liposuction and BBL first, and then at a section stage, do the tummy tuck. This would give your tummy the best optimal results.
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Thanks for your inquiry, it is best you also get medical clearance prior to surgery, but in general terms a tummy tuck can be successfully be performed with peri-operative Lovenox, etc. The IVC filter should not an independent risk, Best of luck.

While the decision to have surgery, especially cosmetic surgery can be very personal, sometimes the risks outweigh the benefits.
With my patients, we assess risk for post-operative DVT (deep venous thrombosis / blood clots) and provide post-operative coagulation where appropriate. In your case, with a history of DVT, you are at high risk for recurrence of DVT with any surgery. The presence of an IVC filter doesn't prevent a clot, but may reduce with chance of a pulmonary embolism - a blood clot that goes to the lungs.
With respect to elective surgery such as a tummy tuck, the IVC filter itself with not hinder it, but rather whether you are a good candidate for surgery from a risk perspective.
The best practices for DVT risk reduction in plastic surgery are still being developed and there can be disagreement within our field. I would recommend a collaborative discussion between you, your hematologist, whomever placed your IVC filter, and your plastic surgeon prior to making any decisions.
Good luck on your journey, and as always - make sure your surgeon is board-certified.

The filter will actually be helpful, but you may need medical clearance for surgery, especially since your leg continues to swell.

Your implanted filter will not hinder your tummy tuck. However it is important that you first speak to your hematologist about your interest in the procedure. If given clearance you can then meet with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.

The inferior vena cava filter will protect you if you develop a blood clot that brakes loose preventing it from becoming a pulmonary embolism.
Most likely you’ll need to get clearance from hematologist.
If you have a hematologist you may want to talk to them now otherwise simply start scheduling in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons.
Personally I recommend doing these the separate procedures but there are plenty of surgeons who do them as combined procedures.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD