SCD and Blood Thinners?

Question

Is it common practice to use a SCD during a tummytuck and give a patient blood thinners post surger?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Using sequential compression stockings during surgery is standard care during most operations and especially during a tummy tuck.  The use of blood thinners has not been standardized and you should defer to the advice and experience f your surgeon.  Personally, I do not use post op blood thinners. Hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based upon the Caprini risk assessment model, patients are stratified according to risk.  Patients in higher risk groups may need Lovenox or something similar to help with the prevention of blood clots.  Sequential compression devices are used in every tummy tuck patient.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

It sounds like your surgeon is doing an excellent job of managing your risk of VTE.  His management knowledge of this risk factor is very up to date and quite sound. Use of SCD's during surgery of a moderate risk like TT's protects you while reducing the risk of bleeding intra-operatively.  Use of chemoprophylaxis 6-12 hours after surgery gives you protection with a lower risk of bleeding.  The precise length of time to continue the blood thinners is not yet known as it relates to Plastic Surgery.  Any where from 1-4 weeks would be reasonable depending on your risk factors.  Good luck!

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question depends on multiple factors, so the answer may be different for each patient. The risk of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus is based on risk stratification. You may check out the risk factors at the link below. If you are still unsure, ask your surgeon to calculate your Caprini score.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

SCD and blood thinners lower the risk (not prevent) of blood clot formation (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.  In cosmetic surgery, patients are otherwise healthy and we are not so concerned about your heart and lungs during and after surgery, but about blood clots as potentially dangerous.  Blood clots in deep veins (Deep Venous Thrombosis - DVT) is a potentially dangerous situation.  Most surgeons take preventative actions in surgeries where the risk of DVT is increased.  SCD and blood thinners can be used.

SCD and Blood Thinners?

Answers (8)

Answer: DVT prevention

Answer: DVT prevention

Answer: Prevention of blood clots is good medicine

Answer: Prevention of blood clots is good medicine

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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SCD and Blood Thinners?

Answers (8)

Answer: DVT prevention

Answer: DVT prevention

Answer: Prevention of blood clots is good medicine

Answer: Prevention of blood clots is good medicine

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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.