Plavix and tummy tucks - is 6 days safe enough?

Question

I had scheduled an appointment for a TT w/lipo of the flanks & muscle tightening, my surgeon said to stop taking blood thinners 4 weeks before surgery. Next day I found out I have vertebral artery dissection-Moderate. I was put on plavix & Aspirin. The ER Dr said I can stop taking them 5-6 before the TT. So, is 6 days safe enough? & how about postsurgery- When can I resume my plavix and aspirin? I'm going to ask my TT Dr. But I want other opinions too please and thanks! What would you do?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I’m surprised the er doc didn’t refer you either back to your primary care doctor or a specialist such as a neurologist.  If you have a primary care doctor you should definitely seek their advice on this.  You may have a serious condition that needs to be evaluated more thoroughly by a specialist.  If you have already seen a specialist you should seek their input on discontinuing plavix.

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

There are two main issues in your situation: How long do you need to be off Plavix prior to surgery to avoid bleeding problems, and is it safe to have your tummy tuck and be off Plavix given the vertebral artery dissection. Remaining off Plavix for 6 days should be fine in terms of bleeding. I often operate on patients for different types of surgeries who have been off Plavix for shorter times, and have never had any problems. This is pretty common. The bigger issue is whether you need additional evaluation or treatment prior to your tummy tuck, in order to make sure the vertebral artery dissection poses no additional risk, and if it's safe for you to go off Plavix at all right now. That is something that needs to be determined by a neurologist or neurosurgeon, not by an ER doctor. The specialist can evaluate your situation and risk, and determine whether it's safe to stop the Plavix temporarily, and whether it's safe for you to have your surgery, or if you should wait. Best of luck!

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

I would delay the tummy tuck procedure.  Not sure emergency room doctors know enough about plastic surgery.  It seems you need to see a specialist to figure out why you had a vertebral artery dissection.Plavix and aspirin are blood thinners and would significantly increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.I would agree with your surgeon to be off all blood thinners for a month.Dr Spies

H. Daniel Zegzula, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear of your recent health issues.  Vertebral artery dissection is a serious issue and you should be more concerned about with when is it safe to stop Plavix so you don't develop a stroke due to the artery dissection.  You must get cleared by a neurologist before proceeding with elective cosmetic surgery.  When it is safe to stop the Plavix I usually have my patients stop taking it 10 days prior to surgery and restart 3 days after.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

With a potential diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection, an elective surgery as a tummy tuck should be put on hold for the time being.A consultation with a neurosurgeon and full work up and treatment plan is needed. There is no safe time to stop the Plavix till seen by a neurosurgeon.

Plavix and tummy tucks - is 6 days safe enough?

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Answer: Plavix and Tummy Tuck

Answer: Plavix and Tummy Tuck

Answer: Vertebral artery dissection

Answer: Vertebral artery dissection

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Plavix and tummy tucks - is 6 days safe enough?

Answers (10)

Answer: Plavix and Tummy Tuck

Answer: Plavix and Tummy Tuck

Answer: Vertebral artery dissection

Answer: Vertebral artery dissection

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.