Liposuction while on coumadin?

Question

I had a mechanical mitral valve replacement when I was 14 and I've been on coumadin since. I have all the measurements to be a fashion model, except for my hips. I'm 5'9.5", 32-24-37.5. I have been offered contracts by all the top agencies in the world. I've tried everything to lose the inches but had no success. I've been at this for few years and it has been truly an emotionally devastating ordeal. I feel like lipo is the only shot I got, but I dont want to risk my life for it. Is this doable?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I don't think any surgeon would approach you while on Coumadin. It would have to be stopped several days in advance with the advise and consent of your cardiologist.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

Coumadin must be discontinued if you are to have liposuction or any surgery to prevent a bleeding complication. It would be best to discuss your medical situation fully with your physician and decide whether you should take the risk.

Kevin G. Rose, MD · Answer

Non-surgical fat removal would be your best option.  You may want to consider Cool Sculpting which is non-invasive.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is less risky to do open surgery when the patient is on Coumadin than to do liposuction.  If you have excessive bleeding during surgery your body would not be able to clot and the source of bleeding would not be accessible to your surgeon.  Non-invasive fat removal options are now available which would be your best option.

John J. O'Brien, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for this question. I do not believe he would be a good candidate for liposuction and given the fact that you currently are taking Coumadin. I believe he would be at too high a risk to stop the Coumadin and the fact that you had mitral valve replacement. Have you considered noninvasive options such as cool sculpting. We have had some success in patients that are not medical candidate for more invasive procedures. See out a qualified practitioner in your area. Best of luck.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I would not suggest having liposuction done while on Coumadin. The risk of a major bleed would be significant. You could talk to your cardiologist about coming off for 5 - 7 days or consider a nonsurgical alternative like BodyFX which can permanently remove fat cells and take off inches. Best of luck!

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

We have performed many procedures, including liposuction, for patients with mechanical heart valves.  Your surgery would be done in hospital.  You will require close monitoring by by a Cardiologist to minimize your risks.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

I would say that you are taking a considerable risk with liposuction or any surgical procedure if you are on Coumadin.  You may want to consider seeing a board certified plastic surgeon to consider non-invasive options such as Coolsculpting.  It would lower your risk of bleeding considerably and a plastic surgeon who has Coolsculpting would be able to help you assess your potential for reaching your goals compared to liposuction.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeon, if not all, would choose to avoid any elective surgery while you are on Coumadin. You might have some success with nonsurgical treatments like Cool Sculpting, however, that could still be risky. You will need your medical doctor to give approval before any procedure.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Consider non-invasive fat reduction options such as CoolSculpting or heat-based devices which use radiofrequency.

Liposuction while on coumadin?

Answers (16)

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