How do I find surgeons who might be more confortable operating on someone with complex medical history?

Your plastic surgeon would obviously be responsible and concentrate fully on your surgical procedure. The other issues of your medical wellbeing would be identified at the time of your consultation with your plastic surgeon, who would then request that you see these other doctors, i.e., pulmonologist, hematologist, cardiologist, etc. and have them evaluate you and clear you for surgery. If needed, these other physicians would suggest preoperative, introperative and postoperative care plans to manage the specific issues that you are concerned about to make your surgery as safe for you as possible. Every plastic surgeon has a level of risk that they’re willing to accept, and the only way that you will know would be to ask them. Best wishes.

That’s a very important question, and you’re absolutely right to think carefully about finding the right surgeon for your situation. With a more complex medical history, such as being a Factor V carrier, the safest approach is to work with a plastic surgeon who is comfortable planning ahead and collaborating with other specialists when needed. You don’t need to contact hundreds of surgeons. Instead, it’s best to look for surgeons who already have experience with higher-risk patients and who operate in a hospital setting with full support teams.
In Turkiye, some board-certified plastic surgeons work in clinics that are directly affiliated with private hospitals, like myself. This is ideal, because it means your surgery can be carried out with access to experienced anesthesiologists, hematology consultation, and all the resources necessary for a safe recovery. When you reach out to a clinic, you can simply explain that you have a clotting tendency (Factor V carrier) and ask if the surgeon coordinates with hematologists or internal medicine specialists for pre-operative planning. A surgeon who is experienced with complex cases will not dismiss your concerns but will instead request lab work, medical clearance, and outline a personalized safety plan for you.
This way, you can focus your search on just a few clinics rather than contacting dozens. By asking directly about experience with patients who have clotting disorders and about hospital affiliation, you will quickly know whether the surgeon is prepared to care for you with the extra attention your history deserves.

That’s a great question, and I commend you for doing your due diligence in researching and selecting a surgeon who is experienced, especially given your complex medical history.

Factor V Leiden does increase your risk of developing blood clots after surgery, so it's essential to work with a surgeon who is well-versed in managing this condition. Preventative measures such as the use of compression devices on the legs, early postoperative ambulation, and appropriate anticoagulation therapy are critical to minimizing your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Another important consideration is the location of the surgical facility. While I operate out of my own accredited private surgery center most of the time, I may choose to perform higher-complexity cases in a hospital setting when appropriate. You’ll want to ensure that your surgeon has admitting privileges at a high-acuity hospital in the event a complication arises that requires inpatient care.

Additionally, selecting a surgeon with a strong background in reconstructive surgery can be beneficial. Plastic surgeons who frequently treat medically complex patients tend to be more familiar with managing challenging cases like yours.

I highly recommend consulting with several board-certified plastic surgeons to get a sense of their approach to your specific situation and to find someone with whom you feel confident and comfortable.

Visiting with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is a great place to begin your search. However you want to be sure you are not just searching for the person that says "yes". Safety is the number one priority in surgery. If you are not a candidate for the procedures that interest you understand that a "no" may be the best answer for you in the long run.

The first place to start is to discuss your concerns and desires with your primary care doctor and hematologist can.
You’ll need them on board no matter who does the surgery if someone does.
Even with medical clearance, some plastic surgeons may not want to take on the procedure.
You should recognize that the surgeon isn’t the one who’s going to have the complication if one arises it is you.
The reason surgeons may not want to do the surgery is because they don’t want you to have morbidity or mortality from cosmetic surgery.
It’s unlikely someone is going to make a yes or no decision without taking everything into consideration.
First and foremost, the patient has to be a good candidate for the procedure to even consider doing it in the first place.
It makes a little sense to undergo risk if the benefit is not significant.
Pictures, we can’t begin to make an assessment.
I don’t think you want to find someone who response on this website saying I’m willing to take on a high risk patient.
Your best option is to start scheduling in person consultations with plastic surgeons in your community.
If you don’t wanna go through that process, then your motivation of having the procedure may not be enough and that speaks for itself.
I generally recommend patient schedule in person consultation and avoid virtual consultations whenever possible.
This is even more prudent when things are a bit out of the ordinary
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD