I'm bleeding internally after Tummy tuck due to blood thinners. Any suggestions?

Question

I just recently had a tummy tuck, one that I have waited years for. However, after surgery things began going wrong very quickly. After my surgery (4 days) I was admitted to the hospital for internal bleeding, required three units of blood and put on a machine that did my breathing for me, as my body could not do it for itself. Now I am stuck with another surgery to remove the giant blood clot. What went wrong? Did I need blood thinners? Thank you.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. These are extremely complex questions not to be dealt with through an online service. You had serious complications and must be counseled by the appropriate medical personel. Hope this helps,Dr. JSB

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. It is rare but sometimes complications can happen. I would suggest following your surgeon's post op instructions closely, making sure not to eat or do anything that would increase your risks.

Kenty Sian, MD · Answer

Bleeding and hematoma (blood clot) formation are potential complications of a tummy tuck procedure and I make sure to discuss these with my patients prior to surgery. I prefer not to speculate on what went wrong with your surgery because I don't know the details. Placing you on blood thinners prior to surgery would only increase the risk of bleeding but this may sometimes be necessary especially if the patient is at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Removal of the hematoma is necessary to help improve your healing and prevent infection. I wish you the best and I hope you get well soon.

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I'm bleeding internally after Tummy tuck due to blood thinners. Any suggestions?

Answers (3)

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