IUD removal prior to Liposuction surgery, should I be worried about it?

Question

I just set a date to have liposuction in November of this year. The surgical coordinator called me just now to give me the run-down of what to stop taking 30 days prior, and she mentioned birth control. January, I had an IUD put in (Skyla), so I asked her about this. She said it would need to be removed prior to surgery, due to the risk of blood clots from hormones. Does this sound right? I have no intention of removing my IUD- is it really something I should worry about?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The Skyla IUD contains the female hormone progestin.  Because Skyla has a hormonal component, removal may be considered to reduce the risk for venous clots.  This should be considered on a case by case basis. If you have a personal or family history of blood clots or have another medical condition that increases your clotting risk, your plastic surgeon may be recommending that your IUD be removed prior to surgery.  Even after its removal, the effects of Skyla can remain in your body.  Recommend that you ask your gynecologist when to remove the IUD before lipo and when to reinsert after lipo.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

We do not require removal of an IUD. Generally a liposuction is not such a large procedure if removal iskept under 5 liters, You can get mobilized almost immediately after a liposuction, which avoids the blood clots that you mentioned. Also, sequential compression hose should be used during the procedure, and this diminishes the risk of blood clots.Thank you for your interesting question, and best of luck to you.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Hormones can increase the risk of a blood clot, but each patient needs to be evaluated individually. Do you have any family history of blood clots or conditions that elevate the risk of blood clots? Ask to speak with your surgeon to discuss whether or not your IUD puts you at risk. Best of luck.

IUD removal prior to Liposuction surgery, should I be worried about it?

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IUD removal prior to Liposuction surgery, should I be worried about it?

Answers (3)

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