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

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

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.)

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.