Is it necessary to take an anti coagulant after a tummy tuck? I am a healthy woman in my 40s, normal weight and active.

Hello!There are criteria many surgery centers follow where there is a scoring system for risk of clot after surgery, related to time of surgery, weight, medications, family history of clotting and more. This score is a guideline with regard to medicating to protect against clot. I almost never provide anticoagulants to my patients. The most important thing is to walk and hydrate well after surgery. Different surgeons will recommend different things and you will likely find another board certified plastic surgeon who will not mandate blood thinners.

The way to avoid DVT and PE is immediate mobilisation. the majority of my patients do not opt for anti coagulants and you need to run through the pros and cons with your PS.

Guidelines set by Surgeons, like Mark Venturi a local (Va.) plastic surgery star, and the American Society of plastic Surgery support using sub-Q heparin in all patients under going this surgery. Exceptions can be made, but the standard of care answer is; yes. These recommendations are based on risk/benefits assessment. Therefore I often prescribe it, but I wouldn't be appalled if you don't use it.