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Mexaprin is another name for Lovenox or Enoxaparin. It is an injection given as a blood thinner to help prevent blood clots (DVT's) and pulmonary embolism (blood clot traveling to the lungs). It is commonly given around the time of tummy tucks because the abdominal tightness post-op will increase the pressure on the veins of the legs putting patients at increased risk for clotting in the leg veins. Your PS will administer this injection.
Post-procedure blood thinners like Lovenox can theoretically ward off a DVT and subsequent PE in the context of an abdominoplasty. Much of the actual data behind the use of "chemoprophylaxis" is derived from hospital patients, so its hard to make absolute recommendations. Instead, it should be done on a case by case with your plastic surgeon, looking closely at your BMI, health history, family history, the type and duration of your cosmetic intervention, and the type of anesthesia used.
Mexaprin is a low molecular weight heparin which is used to treat and prevent deep venous thrombosis - blood clots in the leg. The use of blood thinners, like Mexaprin, is determined by your plastic surgeon. He or she will do a Caprini risk assessment (i.e., what is your risk for having a blood clot). If the risk is high, then one of the low molecular weight heparins will be prescribed. These are available - by prescription- at most pharmacies.
Dear Amanda, Many thanks for your question regarding steroid injection to seromas. It is a practice that is not uncommon amongst many surgeons to try to deal with persistent seroma(s), however there is little evidence to support it working. I would advise you seek the opinion and advice of...
Unless there is a reason not to (you would need to ask YOUR surgeon), I always encourage all my patients to switch to a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory as soon after their procedure as possible. They work surprisingly well and post-operative bleeding has been a NON-ISSUE in all of them.
A tummy tuck is cosmetic surgery, so Medicaid would not cover it. You can ask a bariatric surgeon about the possibilty of insurance coverage for the gastric by pass.