Want a Facelift but due to blood clot history they say I'm high risk. Would seeing a hematologist help a decision?

Yes,Typically, at least 1- 2 weeks before a facelift procedure the patient should meet (again) with their facial plastic surgeon or primary care physician to perform a physical examination, medical history review, and gather the necessary laboratory and studies (e.g., EKG). Patients with previous medical issues (blood clots,etc.) should be evaluated and "cleared" for surgery by a specialist such as hematologist, or cardiologist if the person has previous cardiac issues.I hope this helps.

The risk of blood clots forming during a facelift is largely due to general anesthesia and prolonged surgery. I would definitely ask for medical clearance from your hematologist. The good news is that facelift surgery can be done with significantly less risk of blood clots by using local anesthesia. This is an advancement in cosmetic surgery. Seek a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced doing facelifts under local anesthesia. I wish you all the best.

Before seriously considering face lift surgery you should consult your internist and hematologist about your blood clothing problem. Your plastic surgeon should discuss your risk in light of proposed facial surgery with both of them. In general, facial procedures done under twilight anesthesia are low risk for blood cloths. If you are placed on blood thinners these should be stopped before procedure per established protocol to avoid intra and post-operative bleeding that can compromise your surgery result. Intra-operatively and postoperatively a standard blood clot prevention protocol should be used. You should gradually start anticoagulant therapy as soon as it is safe after surgery.With careful preparation and good communication between your plastic surgeon and your internist you can have this surgery done with acceptable risks. Good luck.

Seeing a hematologist before seriously considering a facelift makes sense. They will explore your blood clot history and determine if you are a candidate for surgery from a medical standpoint. If cleared by them, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area will determine if you are a candidate for a facelift from a surgical standpoint. If you are a candidate and wish to proceed with surgery, the hematologist and surgeon should discuss your case before hand in order for the procedure to be performed as safely as possible.

Thank you for your question.  Scheduling an appointment with a hematologist to gain medical clearance would be beneficial in your situation.  After seeing the hematologist, if your receive clearance from them, bring that information with you on your scheduled consultations with a board certified plastic surgeon.  At that time, both you and your surgeon will be able to make a decision on how to proceed.Best regard,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

Facelift with history of blood clots? This can be done with clearance from a hematologist. I have done this on several patients without a problem. 

YES THAT WOULD BE WISE TO SEE YOUR HEMATOLOGIST TO GET CLEARED BEFORE SURGERY DUE TO YOUR HISTORY. YOU NEED TO SPEAK TO YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON TOO ON WHAT TYPE OF PRECAUTIONS THEY ARE TAKING BEFORE YOUR FACELIFT AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO DO AHEAD OF TIME BEFORE SURGERY. 

A facelift is a very low risk operation for pulmonary embolism. Nevertheless, a plastic surgeon would take it seriously and discuss prophylaxis with your hematologist.

There are many different variables regarding  blood clotting disorders. It is best to get clearance to undergo elective cosmetic surgery by a hematologist, but there will be additional risks which have to be weighed by the patient  prior to the face lift. It is  not a good idea to be on blood thinners before, during and after the facelift procedure

Thank you for your question. Before any elective surgery such as a Facelift, it would be beneficial to know exactly what clotting disorder you have and your Hematologist would recommend. The goal would be to minimize any excess bleeding or trauma to the face.