Breast Augmentation during my time of the month - is it ok if I get heavy periods during/post surgery?

Question

I got my surgery date for the 4th December 2021 but it is during my time of the month. Is this ok if I get heavy periods??? Do I need to tell my surgeon??? What do I do about cramps??? Will I need help after my breast surgery???

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Laura Scott1309,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have your period during the time of surgery, but may have some changes due to the stress of surgery.  Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication for your breasts which will help with any cramping. If you start your period, don't wear tampons to surgery, but use pads. You don't want to forget and leave one in too long. Yes, you will need an adult with you that day and evening after surgery.

Nirav B. Patel, MD, JD, FACS · Answer

Hi there,
Heavy periods are generally manageable for otherwise healthy individuals undergoing breast augmentation. However, you should always feel able to discuss any concern your may have about your body with your surgeon.
Heavy periods with cramping would make me wonder if these are usual occurrences for you, or if there are more intermittent and unpredictable. As a plastic surgeon, my concern would be for you getting anemic (low blood counts) after surgery. Usually, when breast augmentation is performed routinely, blood loss is minimal and no blood transfusion is done. If you experience symptomatic anemia with your periods, though - dizziness, pallor (looking pale), weakness - these are indications that you must get your issues figured out with your primary care physician, a hematologist (blood specialist), or with your OB/GYN. Abnormal, very symptomatic periods may be a sign of a more concerning gynecological issue that might require medical (or even surgical) management, separate from your breast augmentation procedure. An OB/GYN, for example, would determine your history with menses, your overall pregnancy history, and your history of any other GYN issues in best determining a course of action to address your symptoms.
Some patients are put on iron supplements to help with these issues, but as with any new supplement, you must let your surgeon know about them, as many prefer discontinuation of any and all vitamins and supplements for at least two (2) weeks before surgery, if not longer.
If the cramping is severe for you (sorry if it is!!), my concern post-operatively is that the cramping may make you strain, and significant straining can trigger complications such as sudden bleeding within your breast pocket (meaning, a hematoma). The chance of this is probably low but it is not zero, and a significant hematoma is a surgical emergency which requires going back to the OR to suck out (evacuate) that hematoma, possibly have a surgical drain placed, and possibly replace the implant that was originally placed, since it is now at a much higher risk for infection or capsular contracture. This is because bacteria LOVE blood, and when the two mix, it triggers more inflammation within your breast pocket, which can develop a thicker, harder, or more painful scar capsule around your implant.
For all these "doom-and-gloom" issues, it is important that you communicate your concerns with your surgeon BEFORE you have your surgery. With a December 4th surgery date, there is plenty of time to arrange for referrals or see you primary care physician to help sort out these issues without risking getting rescheduled. The LAST thing you or your surgeon wants is for a sudden cancellation to happen because he or she did not know about your periods and cramping, and they get really bad the day before or on the day of surgery. You also don't want to be slapped with a late cancellation or re-booking fee, if your surgeon's practice levies those on its patients. Remember, breast augmentation is elective surgery, and your overall health is paramount. You do not want to undergo cosmetic plastic surgery unless you are medically optimized for it.
Finally, if your surgeon is enrolled with it, strongly consider incorporating cosmetic insurance into your breast augmentation package. It does involve an extra cost, but it would cover major complications such as a hematoma that might involve a visit to the ED or emergency surgery. There are many programs out there now, such as CosmetAssure, that offer good coverage at a reasonable price.

Breast Augmentation during my time of the month - is it ok if I get heavy periods during/post surgery?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

Breast Augmentation during my time of the month - is it ok if I get heavy periods during/post surgery?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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