Is it okay to have surgery in the middle of my menstrual cycle? I'm having a double eyelid surgery and epicanthoplasty.

Question

I'm having double eyelid surgery and epicanthoplasty. My doctor told me that if I was on my period, swelling afterwards will be worse and I'll bleed a lot more during surgery. My surgery is scheduled for Saturday but I got my period early unexpectedly. Is it still okay to proceed?

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Whether you are menstruating before, during or just after your surgery will not affect your surgical outcome. If you are menstruating on your surgery date, however, your board certified facial plastic surgeon may ask that you wear a pad instead of a tampon. Also, you may have heightened sensitivity post-surgery as a result, but your prescribed pain medications should address this. As with any surgery, avoid blood thinners prior to your surgery date, such as aspirin and alcohol. I wish you a safe and successful procedure. Good luck!- Elbert T. Cheng, MD

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

I'm sure you're fine.  You may swell a bit more post op but in my experience it wouldn't effect your long term outcome.You should avoid seafood, alcohol, and blood thinners.Chase Lay MDAsian eyelid surgery specialist

David Kahng, MD · Answer

Dear Sienna19,
Thank you for your question.  In my experience, I have not seen any correlation with increased swelling or bleeding in patients who undergo surgery while menstruating.  Over the years, I have operated on many women, and at any given moment, there is a significant proportion of whom are menstruating.  I would double check with your surgeon to make sure that he or she is comfortable with proceeding.  Anecdotally, patients have told me that they are more sensitive to pain right before their period, but with adequate anesthesia, this should not be a problem.  
Best regards,
David Kahng, MD

Is it okay to have surgery in the middle of my menstrual cycle? I'm having a double eyelid surgery and epicanthoplasty.

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Is it okay to have surgery in the middle of my menstrual cycle? I'm having a double eyelid surgery and epicanthoplasty.

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Everything you need to know about Double Eyelid Surgery

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