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

Question

I cannot stop warfarin, even for 1 day, and would never have cosmetic surgery, like a neck lift.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

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.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

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.

Deborah Pan, MD · Answer

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!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes you can have Ultherapy if you take anticoagulants. I use 'test spot' treatments and have patients return several days later to see how much bruising develops before I sign them up for the full treatment. I find the bruising to be more in the neck area than on the face.

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS · Answer

Good question Airie!

	You should be able to be treated with Ulthera  while taking Warfarin (coumadin) but you will have an increase chance of bruising as bruising is one of the side effects of treatments of Ulthera. You should consult with your primary care physician as well prior to treatment!

	Good Luck !

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Ultherapy and warfarin

Answer: Ultherapy and warfarin

Answer: Ulthera treatments to treat sagging skin while taking Warfarin

Answer: Ulthera treatments to treat sagging skin while taking Warfarin

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Ultherapy and warfarin

Answer: Ultherapy and warfarin

Answer: Ulthera treatments to treat sagging skin while taking Warfarin

Answer: Ulthera treatments to treat sagging skin while taking Warfarin

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.