Is risk of blood clots higher if you have your period before or after surgery?

Question

Is the risk for blood clots higher when you get your period during or right after surgery? Im expected to get my period two days after my surgery (tummy tuck, breast lift, and implants). I typically have two very heavy days of my cycle and Im afraid it willl cause clots or low blood iron.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Having your period before or after your plastic surgery is generally very safe and does not typically interfere with the surgical procedure itself. Developing blood clots in the legs or lungs are a very rare (2 in 10000 patients)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mariavitoria,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Aftab Siddiqui, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

There are no evidence to suggest any link with clotting risks and menstrual cycle. Your doctor will take necessary precautions to prevent blood clots after surgery and you can keep hydrated and mobilise after surgery.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

The risk of blood clots is associated with various factors, and the timing of your menstrual cycle (having your period) in relation to surgery is not a direct determinant of clot risk. However, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and certain considerations related to surgery might indirectly influence clot risk.

Here are some factors to consider:

Hormonal Changes:

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can influence blood clotting factors. Estrogen, in particular, can have an impact. It's important to inform your surgeon about your menstrual cycle and any hormonal medications you may be taking.
Surgery-Related Factors:

Surgical procedures, especially those that involve prolonged periods of immobility, can increase the risk of blood clots. This risk is influenced by factors such as the type and duration of surgery, the extent of immobility during recovery, and individual patient factors.
Personal Health History:

Your personal health history, including any history of blood clotting disorders or a family history of clotting issues, can contribute to your overall risk.
Other Risk Factors:

Other factors that may increase the risk of blood clots include obesity, smoking, age, and the use of hormonal contraceptives.
Preventive Measures:

Surgeons often take preventive measures to minimize the risk of blood clots during and after surgery. This may include early mobilization, the use of compression stockings, and, in some cases, anticoagulant medications.
It's crucial to discuss your medical history, including any hormonal factors, with your surgeon during preoperative consultations. They will assess your overall risk profile and implement appropriate preventive measures to minimize the risk of blood clots.

If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle and its potential impact on surgery or clot risk, be sure to raise these concerns with your surgeon. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status and the specifics of your surgery.

Overall, the risk of blood clots is a multifactorial consideration, and your surgeon will take a comprehensive approach to minimize potential risks and optimize your safety during and after surgery.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi mariavitoria,
There are many factors to consider for blood clot risk, commonly known as a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus, around the time of aesthetic surgery. Specific to the details you provided, women having tummy tuck her known to be a higher risk than the general aesthetic population, and for specific numbers the general population has a risk of 0.09% at 30 days, versus 0.2% for tummy tuck patients. In addition, patient having combined surgery, like your breast and tummy operation, are higher risk than patient having single operations.
While outside source of estrogen like oral contraceptives are known to increase risk for blood clots, I am not aware of any data regarding the timing of your period around surgery, and how this impacts risk. 
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington USA

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

There is no correlation between the timing of menses and the risk of a VTE (venous thromboembolic) event. It would be safe to proceed with surgery as planned.

Zamir Paez, MD · Answer

Hi, I'm Dr. Zamir Paez, it doesn't necessarily increase or decrease the risk of your period, in fact it is very common for patients to get their period just before the procedure. Post-surgical care is important, anticoagulant medication, protein-rich food and lots of movement for a successful procedure. Best of luck!

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

As far as I know there is no correlation between a patient's menses and the risk of developing clots post-op.  I also would not worry too much about low blood iron unless you have a history of anemia or low iron.  With that said, your body is used to your flow and should be able to accommodate after your surgery.  I would not be concerned.  Good luck with your upcoming surgeries

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, the clotting from your menstral cycle is not related to the risk of blood clots in your legs or lungs.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

There is no correlation of blood clot formation intra-operatively or post-operatively and timing of your period.  It is more of a comfort for you in the postoperative period.  When performing breast augmentation, the breasts are a bit engorged so timing here to chose the correct size is more important.
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

Is risk of blood clots higher if you have your period before or after surgery?

Answers (12)