Is It Better to Stay on the NuvaRing (Vaginal Birth Control Ring) During TT & BBL Surgery or Discontinue It for the Month?

Safety should always be the primary concern in any elective surgery. Since it is known that taking birth control pills or using devices that release estrogen increase the risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) which can travel to the lung and be potentially life threatening, especially in a larger surgical procedure like a tummy tuck, it is recommended in the valid scientific literature that these birth control pills and devices should ideally be stopped for 1 month prior to surgery and for 2 weeks postoperatively. The pros and cons of doing this should be discussed with your plastic surgeon and an alternative method of birth control should also be discussed with your gynecologist.

Whether Lovenox, which is a blood thinner, should be utilized in addition to intermittent compression stockings, adequate fluid replacement, and early ambulation depends on your individual risk factors.  I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.  

Robert Singer, MD  FACS

La Jolla, California

I would stop it 1 month before surgery. Any hormone similar to this can increase your chance for DVT (blood clot) so why not decrease the risk.

      Any method of hormonal birth control represents a risk factor for DVT.  I always advise patients to discontinue this around the time of surgery.

 

 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA