Do you use blood thinners after a tummy tuck with all patients?

We prescribe a 7 day course of Lovenox (blood thinner) to all of our tummy tuck patients. The Lovenox is administered once daily after the procedure. During a tummy tuck we tighten the abdominal muscles in order to give the abdomen a flatter and more pleasing appearance. The tummy tuck procedure places patients at an increased risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) formation in the legs, and a PE (pulmonary embolism) may result. PEs can be fatal. Because of this risk we place of all of our tummy tuck patients on Lovenox. Lovenox is a blood thinner and it may increase the risk of bleeding, but over the past 10 years of using Lovenox for our tummy tuck patients, we have not seen an increased incidence of bleeding or hematomas. Incidentally, we haven't seen any downsides to using Lovenox for our tummy tuck patients.Definitely discuss this question with your board certified (ASPS Member) plastic surgeon. 

Hello,Thank you for your question.  I don't typically prescribe blood thinners for patients after a tummy tuck.  It elevates the risk for bleeding.  I normally encourage patients to be mobile and not spend all their time laying in bed after surgery.  Being ambulatory will help minimize the risks of developing deep clots in the leg veins.  It's best to speak with your board certified plastic surgeon, as every surgeon has different post-operative protocols.All the best.