Should I skip my next testosterone pellet insertion prior to surgery?

Question

Does this increase chance for blood clots after surgery? I am scheduled for breast lift with augmentation on October 24, 2023 and my next testosterone pellet insertion is August 21st. The doctor who administers testosterone states it doesn't increase my chance of blood clots but the nurse at plastic surgeon office states I need to avoid having it done until after surgery. At this point, I'm not sure what to do. I want to be as safe as possible and minimize risk of blood clots as much as I can.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

The decision to skip or proceed with a testosterone pellet insertion before surgery should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, particularly the surgeon who will be performing the procedure. It's crucial to communicate openly with both your hormone therapy provider and your surgical team to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Here are some considerations:

Surgical Impact: Hormone levels, including testosterone, can have an impact on the body's response to surgery and the healing process. Some surgeons may prefer hormone levels to be stable and within a certain range before proceeding with elective surgery.

Provider Communication: Inform your hormone therapy provider about your upcoming surgery and discuss whether it is advisable to adjust or skip your testosterone pellet insertion. They can provide guidance based on your individual medical history and the specific hormone therapy protocol you are on.

Surgeon's Guidance: Consult with your surgeon and their medical team about the potential impact of your hormone therapy on the surgical procedure and recovery. They may have specific recommendations based on their experience and your unique health profile.

Timing of Hormone Therapy Adjustments: If adjustments to your hormone therapy are recommended, discuss the timing of any changes with both your hormone therapy provider and your surgical team. Coordination is essential to ensure that hormone levels are appropriately managed before and after surgery.

In summary, it's important to collaborate with both your hormone therapy provider and your surgeon to make informed decisions about adjusting or skipping testosterone pellet insertions before surgery. Hormone levels and their impact on the surgical process are individualized, and a personalized approach is crucial for optimal outcomes. Always follow the guidance of your healthcare professionals to ensure a safe and successful surgical experience.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If estrogen is also inserted, please do your pellets after you have healed from the breast surgery. Estrogen does increase the risk of blood clots.

Cedric Hunter, MD · Answer

Hey, thank you for your question. In general, testosterone pellets/supplements won't increase your risk for blood clots. It's the estrogen in hormone replacement that increases the risk of blood clots. I do recommend that you follow the guidance and recommendations of your surgeon as they may in general want to stop or hold all medications that are not absolutely required. Hope that helps.

Should I skip my next testosterone pellet insertion prior to surgery?

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Should I skip my next testosterone pellet insertion prior to surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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