Can I Get Ulthera if I Take Warfarin? If So, Will It Cause Bruising?

Some people are at very high risk when they take blood thinners and thus cannot stop taking them.   Bruising is rare with Ultherapy as it does not disrupt blood vessels.  If you require nerve blocks, then you do increase the risk of bruising as a needle is used to deliver the local anesthetic.  If you need something to help with pain, I would consider an oral narcotic or an anxiolytic before the procedure and avoid needles.  You should not have to worry about bleeding/bruising with Ultherapy.

Warfarin (coumadin) increases your bleeding tendency but there is such a low tendency to cause brusing with Ulthera that it is not an absolute contraindication. It is possible that if you were to bruise and not apply pressure, that there might be a small hematoma (collection of blood) underneath the skin that could result and this might have to be drained.  The risk is not zero, but very small. Your physician who will do the Ulthera can speak with your physician who manages your coumadin to discuss your situation prior to the treatment.

As bruising is a possible but relatively rare risk of ulthera, the Coumadin would certainly raise that risk. However, like all bruising, it should resolve completely without detrimental effect. If surgery is out of the question, then ulthera may be your best option for neck and /or facial tightening. Only a consultation with a provider would be able to determine whether you are a good candidate. I hope that helps answer your question!