Is It Possible to Have Tummy Tuck for a Patient with DVT?

Hello, and thank you for your important question regarding whether you can safely have a tummy tuck after experiencing a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) following childbirth.

First, congratulations on your growing family. And second, you're absolutely right to bring this up now — it’s essential to approach elective surgery thoughtfully when you have a history of DVT.

A history of DVT does not automatically mean you cannot have a tummy tuck, but it does put you into a higher risk category for blood clot recurrence, which means extra precautions must be taken before, during, and after surgery. Safety must be the top priority.

Here’s what would typically be required:

You would need a full clearance from a hematologist or your primary care physician to assess your clotting risk.

You may need special blood tests to evaluate your current coagulation status.

If you are on blood thinners (like warfarin, Eliquis, or Xarelto), your medications would have to be carefully managed around the time of surgery under the supervision of your medical team.

During surgery and recovery, aggressive DVT prevention protocols would need to be in place — this includes sequential compression devices on your legs during and after surgery, early ambulation (getting you walking as soon as possible after surgery), and possibly short-term anticoagulation therapy after your procedure.

In some cases, patients with a significant DVT history are advised to have a filter placed in the inferior vena cava (IVC filter) temporarily, especially for major surgeries like a tummy tuck. This device can help prevent clots from traveling to the lungs, though it’s not necessary for every patient.

The good news is that many patients with a history of DVT have successfully undergone tummy tucks when these safety measures are followed and when their overall health is stable. The key is having a board-certified plastic surgeon who is extremely thorough about preoperative clearance and is comfortable working closely with your other healthcare providers.

Thank you again for your thoughtful question. Your caution is exactly what will lead you to a safe and successful journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

Before moving forward, make sure you consult with a highly experienced plastic surgeon, ensure all necessary medical clearances are obtained, and carefully review your surgeon’s before-and-after work and patient safety practices.

Having a previous DVT places you at significantly higher risk for another DVT with or without surgery. Prior to planning any subsequent surgery you should consult with a hematologist. There are certain genetic conditions that predispose you to a DVT such as Factor V Leiden that may need to be tested for prior to surgery. In addition depending on the extent of surgery certain prophylactic measures ranging from alteration in anesthetic technique, compression hose, serial compression devices, and anticoagulation may be warranted. The last of these may place you at higher risk for bleeding with subsequent need for transfusion.

With a history of a previous DVT I would proceed with caution.  You should have a full work-up by a hematologist and see what he/she recommends in terms of proceeding with the surgery and if so what type of prophylaxis they would recommend.

Although tummy tucks are a popular and effective way to contour the abdomen, they are an elective aesthetic procedure and should only be performed on healthy patients who have minimal risks for complications. If you have had a prior history of a DVT, it is not recommended for you to receive a tummy tuck. Whenever a patient considers plastic surgery, your health must always be your first concern. Please stay safe.

To learn more about tummy tucks, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you, please visit us at the link below:

You may be able to proceed with tummy tuck, although with an increased overall risk. The medical doctor managing your anticoagulation should be consulted and the circumstances reviewed. It may be considered OK to proceed while you are on a form of anticoagulation. This does increase your risk of bleeding from surgery.

Deep venous thrombosis is at risk with any surgical procedure. Having a history of her previous DVT certainly does increase your risk for this to happen again. It does not, however, preclude your ability to have surgery. One must always weigh the relative risks versus the benefits of procedure and proceed only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Veins that are clotted due to a deep venous thrombosis will normally open up again after a period of time. I suspect you were treated with anticoagulation such as Coumadin for a period of time after your diagnosis. This helps to prevent progression of the clot and allows for its gradual resorption. Just because you had this problem once before does not mean it will happen again.
Precautions can be taken during her surgery. These precautions can reduce your risk to an acceptable level. Measures that can reduce your risk for deep venous thrombosis include use of compressive pumps on your legs during the surgery and a low dose anticoagulant that is given after your surgery. This medication, called Lovenox, is injected underneath the skin daily for five to seven days after your surgery. This will significantly reduce your risk for another DVT. I would suggest you discuss your concerns with your surgeon.