Tummy tuck and venous insufficiency?

Question

Hello. I am scheduled for tummy tuck with lipo to flanks in 2 weeks. I do suffer from venous insufficiency and varicose veins. I had ultrasound done and was cleared by vascular dr. Does this put me in high risk??

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding tummy tuck and liposuction procedures in the presence of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Despite your venous concerns, provided your vascular and internal medicine doctors consider you healthy enough for surgery, you should be able to safely proceed with your tummy tuck and liposuction. For future consideration, you may want to look into varicose vein removal to alleviate symptoms and potentially improve your circulation. Post-surgery, blood thinners are typically recommended for at least a week to mitigate the risk of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Safety is always the number one priority in surgery.  Your venous insufficiency puts you at an elevated risk for development of blood clots, however there are many things that can be done preventatively.   Use of compression stockings and/or sequential compression devices can be used.  Walking around after surgery and doing deep breathing exercises are also indicated.  If your surgeon feels it is warranted, medications can also be given to help with blood clot prevention.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Having a history of varicose veins and venous insufficiency may place you at increased risk of DVT/PE. Discuss VTE prophylaxis (protection against blood clots) with your surgeon prior to your operation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sincere494465,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Varicose veins are not a contraindication for an abdominoplasty procedure, but they do increase your Caprini score (a grading scale for the risks of postoperative blood clot development) by one point (not very significant).
I would suggest wearing medium compression stockings either knee or mid thigh high worn prior to the beginning of surgery, and continued for several days post-op until you are ambulating freely.

Please call your operating surgeon to get his/her approval for these stockings (which may be purchased at any surgical supply store).  You may also look into Amazon to purchase home compressive devices.  We give them to all abdominoplasty cases (Quinear model QN005A seems to be inexpensive and works well with my patients).
Best wishes.
Good luck with your procedure.
Dr. Taranow

Tummy tuck and venous insufficiency?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck and venous insufficiency

Answer: Tummy tuck and venous insufficiency

Answer: Lower leg varicose veins and surgical risks

Answer: Lower leg varicose veins and surgical risks

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.

Tummy tuck and venous insufficiency?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck and venous insufficiency

Answer: Tummy tuck and venous insufficiency

Answer: Lower leg varicose veins and surgical risks

Answer: Lower leg varicose veins and surgical risks

Browse related questions

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.