Can you have an IUD and have a tummy tuck?

As you can see by the responses here, each surgeon has their own opinion on IUDs and surgery. While it is possible to have a tummy tuck with an IUD, you should ask your surgeon if it’s okay with them, since it could increase your risk of developing blood clots.

It is OK to have an IUD in at the time of your tummy tuck.Certain types of synthetic hormone replacements increase your risk for blood clots. Make sure you follow your surgeons recommendations.

Thank you for your question.  An IUD is not a contraindication for a tummy tuck procedure.  The device is far removed from the surgical site.  Some IUD's contain hormones which can theoretically increase the risk of a blood clot. This is an uncommon but possible complication of a tummy tuck.  Usually hormone supplements are stopped before and immediately after surgery to reduce this risk.  Discuss the type of IUD with your OB/GYN and Plastic Surgeon.  Best wishes!

All estrogen releasing birth control devices, pills, implants and IUDs, are associated with a high risk of clots in the deep veins of the legs and pelvis, DVT, which can become dislodged and travel to the lung, PE, where they can cause death. If you watch the small print on TV ads this is clearly listed. Tummy Tuck surgery especially lasting over three hours is associated with a higher rate of blood clots and many surgeons therefore put their patients on blood thinners after surgery and emphasize walking to lower this risk. while opinions differ, we want to lower the blood clot risk to as low as we can get it and reducing excessive estrogen exposure from the outside such as by certain IUDs, polls and implants is preferable. I thoroughly inform my patients of this risk of their birth control and have them remove and stop it 3-4 weeks before a Tummy Tuck procedure. 

Great question.  Yes, you can.Be sure to talk with your doctor about it.  If it releases hormones that may increase your risk of a blood clot, they may take certain measure to reduce that risk (I use the oral pill Xarelto, others use injectable medications like Lovenox, others will just monitor you closely for signs of a DVT).  Best of luck!Cheers,Dr. Dan Krochmal

Thank you for your question.  It is not a problem to have an IUD in at the time of a tummy tuck. As it is best to have had all of your children prior to having an abdominoplasty, some sort of birth control is recommended if you have not had your tubes tied. Be sure to see and experienced, board certified plastic surgeon.