Should I be worried about getting a blood clot?

Question

Should I be worried about getting a blood clot after breast reduction? My friends mother in law died 5 days after having a breast reduction and tummy tuck. She was 69 and I am 56

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

The reason your friend's mother developed a blood clot was due to the tummy tuck, not the breast reduction.  This is a very uncommon complication after tummy tuck, but tummy tucks do put patients at a slight increase for a blood clot (DVT: deep vein thrombosis).  That is why all my tummy tuck patients are placed on Lovenox, which is a blood thinner, for seven days after their tummy tucks, to prevent a DVT. So, if you are undergoing a breast reduction only, you really don't need to worry about developing a DVT.  Definitely discuss your concerns with a plastic surgeon who evaluates you.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Blood clots after surgery is always a risk.  Typically if you are up and moving, deep breathing and coughing after surgery you should be fine.  I would recommend that you speak with your surgeon and address any concerns with your surgeon so they can help put you at ease.  Best of luck to you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Risks should be evaluated and managed appropriately.  Your board certified plastic surgeon will determine from your medical history if pre-op tests should be ordered and if medical clearances should be provided by all specialists who are treating you.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Jacqueline Anne Luong, MD · Answer

tessh, Thanks for the inquiry. Blood clots are a risk after any surgery but it is relatively uncommon after this type of surgery. Be sure your surgeon knows of any history you or your family members have had with a blood clot and ask if he/she uses a compression device on your legs during the surgery. Postoperatively, it is very important to ambulate frequently to further decrease the risk of forming a clot.
Good luck, Dr. Luong

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Best to ask your PS about the risks and whether he/she would recommend in regards to prophylaxis. A family history and a past history are more a predictor than someone that is not related. Risk is also dependent on how long the op takes, mobilisation afterwards and how you recover.

Australia Fragoso-Baez, MD · Answer

All surgeries have risk but that does not mean you will have a complication, all patients are evaluated before surgery, you will need to be cleared to have surgery to reduce chances of complications, your surgeon will help you ease your concern about fatalities, you just need to meet with him and asking about the probabilities of complication in your particular case. Good Luck!

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Tessh,Hello and thank you for your excellent question.  Blood clots very rarely occur during breast reduction surgery, if proper precautions are taken. You should be evaluated for a No-Vertical-Scar breast reduction technique.  Some people refer to this as the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

Should I be worried about getting a blood clot?

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