What's the minimum amount of time to stop birth control and aldactone before arm liposuction?

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, including arm liposuction, it's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's pre-operative instructions carefully. This includes disclosing all medications and supplements you're taking, including birth control pills and aldactone (spironolactone), during your pre-operative consultation.
The minimum amount of time to stop birth control pills and aldactone before arm liposuction can vary depending on several factors, including the specific medications, your overall health, and the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. Here are some general guidelines:
1. Birth Control Pills: It's generally recommended to stop taking birth control pills containing estrogen at least two to four weeks before surgery. Estrogen-containing birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots, which may be a concern during and after surgery. Your plastic surgeon may recommend alternative methods of contraception during this time.
2. Aldactone (Spironolactone): Aldactone is a diuretic medication often used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and fluid retention. It's essential to discuss your use of aldactone with your plastic surgeon, as it may affect your fluid balance and electrolyte levels. Your plastic surgeon may recommend stopping aldactone before surgery, but the timing will depend on your individual situation and the reason for taking the medication.
It's crucial to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about all medications you're taking, including birth control pills and aldactone, to ensure a safe and successful surgical outcome. Your plastic surgeon will provide recommendations based on your medical history, current medications, and the specific procedures planned for your arm liposuction.
Additionally, it's essential to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your plastic surgeon, including guidelines for medication management, to minimize the risk of complications and optimize your results. If you have any questions or concerns about stopping medications before surgery, be sure to discuss them with your plastic surgeon during your pre-operative consultation.

The reason to stop the birth control pills is the decrease the risk of blood clots after surgery. If you are having general anesthesia, you need to stop at least 2, better 4, weeks prior to surgery. If you are having awake liposuction, 1 to 2 weeks should suffice.

We typically do not have patients stop control before surgery. I generally have most patients continue taking their medication unless they’re blood thinners. Each plastic surgeon will have their own protocols views and recommendations. What matters is the opinion of the surgeon doing your procedure.
If you selected a provider, then you should get that providers, insight and guidance. If you haven’t chosen a provider, then I suggest scheduling multiple in person consultations with providers in your community who have a proven track record with this procedure. delivering consistent quality liposuction results is not as easy as people may think. The providers who have truly mastered this procedure are in a minority.
While stopping birth control may have some benefit, and also clearly has some downsides. The risk benefit ratio of these medical decisions should be thought though carefully.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD