I'm currently on Xarelto, would I still be able to get a tummy tuck?

Question

Back in November 2015 I developed a pulmonary embolism in my right lung due my birth control pills..I was coumarin for awhile but the blood clot had gotten so big it wasn't dissolving..so i had to get surgery may 2016 and now im currently on xarelto and may be my entire life..are my chances of getting a tummy tuck over?

Ryan Hoffman, MD · Answer

Your answer is very surgeon dependent. Xeralto certainly increases your risks of bleeding and having complications after surgery. If you are otherwise in good health and your cardiologist thinks you are a good surgical candidate, some surgeons are okay with surgery, others would be rightly cautious.Talk to a board certified plastic surgeon near you and get their opinion.Good luck!

Deborah Sillins, MD · Answer

I would not recommend undergoing cosmetic surgery on Xarelto. Your risk of bleeding is greatly increased.I would talk to your doctor and see how long you need to be on the medication. If the Pulmonary embolism from caused by taking BCP you most likely will not have to be on it for life.

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

on what you truly need. You would not be able to come off of the medication at all, if you need a mini tummy and no muscle repair, could probably be done. IF you need full tummy with MR, probably a bad idea.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  You would need clearance from your hematology and close supervision with your plastic surgeon.  The risks are higher and you need to really be certain the benefits outweigh the risks, good luck.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

It would not be wise to do a tummy tuck while on a blood thinner. You need to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon and hematologist once you are off blood thinners to assess your risk for surgery. In some cases, a mini-tummy tuck can be done under local anesthetic with minimal risk.

I'm currently on Xarelto, would I still be able to get a tummy tuck?

Answers (6)