History of a blood clot - is it possible to get a mommy makeover?

Question

I have lost 100 lbs and now want a mommy makeover. I have had several consultations and only one doctor was agreeable to do the mommy makeover with my hx of blood clot (which we believe was caused by birth control). I am no longer on blood thinner since (2018). That doctor's office staff was horrible and I did not book the procedure with him. Is it possible to get a mommy makeover with my history outpatient?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether it’s possible to have a tummy tuck with a history of blood clots. The answer is yes. It is important for you to coordinate your hematologist (blood doctor) with your plastic surgeon. It will be important for your hematologist to create a window of time when you are off blood thinners to allow your plastic surgeon to do your mommy makeover. During that period of time, the surgery can be accomplished and your postoperative healing can take place without you creating blood clots. There are many options that can be used while you are off of blood thinners and your hematologist and plastic surgeon will go over them during the preoperative consultation. During and after the surgery, it will be important for you to wear sequential compression devices or stockings. So all in all, you can have the procedures, you can have the mommy makeover, it’s just that certain precautions need to be taken to minimize the chances of you having another clot.

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.)

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.)

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Nurturing884069,Personal history of blood clot does not mean you cannot have elective surgery, but it means that surgeons (and patients!) may be more cautious about considering the risks and benefits of elective surgery. Blood clots in the legs or lungs are potentially life or limb threatening complications of surgical procedures, and as such both you and your surgeon should be concerned about your risk. Personal history of clot is a known and recognized risk factor for developing clots after surgery. You mentioned that your oral contraceptives may have been related to the clot forming, but no additional details were provided.
I would suggest meeting with a hematologist, to get a preemptive workup. Your hematologist might consider looking at blood markers for elevated thrombosis risk, and could potentially provide you with a letter of clearance that you could then take to your plastic surgery office. You and your plastic surgeon could then have a more informed conversation about your own personal risk level, and both you and your surgeon could discuss and consider the risks and benefits of moving forward with an elective procedure.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

The biggest risk factor for a blood clot is a previous blood clot. In this circumstance, I have my patients consult with a hematologist (blood specialist) do help determine if surgery can be done safely. Longer surgeries pose greater risk so it may also be better to separate the procedures.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

With a previous history of a blood clot, you may still be a good candidate for a mommy makeover.  Your surgeon will most likely require labs, medical clearance and clearance from a hematologist.  Your surgeon may require you to stay overnight for monitoring.  When choosing a plastic surgeon, I recommend choosing a board certified plastic surgeon.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
And thank you for question.
Prior personal history of blood clots puts you at higher risk for blood clots in the future, especially after long surgery like Mommy Makeover procedure. Sometimes patients are started on special blood thinner medication after the surgery as well.
I would encourage you to have the consultation with a Hematologist, as well as a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options, and concerns.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nurturing884069,
you might need to get a clearance from your doctor prior to surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Paul M. Glat, MD · Answer

Patient is a higher risk and would need medical prophylaxis against blood clots which could increase risk of bleeding complications. as long as patient knows and all precautions are taken, the surgery could be done but would be considered higher risk.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  You still may be a candidate for a Mommy Makeover even with a blood clot as part of your medical history.  You will want to meet with your hematologist to discuss your interest in a Mommy Makeover.  If given clearance you can then meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about the procedure.

Joshua T. Tieman, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Your personal history of blood clots while on hormones is only part of the risk profile (Caprini Score) for any planned surgical intervention. Your plastic surgeon should be able to discuss your individual risk of blood clots following any planned surgery. It is possible to have surgery with this history but likely means that you will need to be on a blood thinner following surgery.

Gokhan Temiz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. The blood clotting might be a serious problem for the procedures like tummy tuck. During my practice, I did perform surgeries for the patient who has blood clot history but to decide whether performing procedure is safe or not comprehensive medical history assessment and additional consultations are required. I always perform my surgeries in the all around hospitals. Before the procedure, all of my patient have their comprehensive check-ups. I strongly suggest you to have your pre-operation consultations and decide the procedure after that.

History of a blood clot - is it possible to get a mommy makeover?

Answers (10)

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