cosmetic surgery

Tgamble · Nov 13, 2006

Hi I'm new to the site and I was just wondering has anyone had cosmetic surgery,while being on coumadin and did you have any problems. The reason why I ask this question is because I had breast augumentation and got hematomas in both breast and had to get them removed. I was told the medicine lovenox was the cause for me getting the hematomas. I'm going to try again to get my breast implants again. If you did have cosmetic surgery could you tell me what you did as far as getting off the medicine and avoiding any problems. Also I love this site, I'm only 25 years old but I had my valve replacement when I was 21. Getting to the point i found this site to be so wonderful. For a while I felt like I was the only person in the world who had heart problems. But it's good to know I 'm not the only one with these issues. I wish everyone good good luck with their health.:

Nancy · Nov 13, 2006

Joe has had major bleeding problems with Lovenox. He cannot take it, or Fragmin either. And recently, he had a brain bleed while on IV heparin. So I don't have any answers for you, just wanted to let you know that problems with Lovenox are possible.

They did test him for Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia, but he did not have that.

He is having an AV fistula procedure for dialysis access, which requires that he go off Coumadin for 5 days. And he will not be on any bridging for that. It is a dicey, dicey move, but it has to be done.

You need to discuss this thoroughly with the doctor who monitors your Coumadin and get guidance on the issue.

JimL · Nov 13, 2006

I have had several cysts removed while I remained on coumadin -- I don't know how similar that is to the cosmetic surgery you're talking about. These were no more than a quarter inch deep. I had to look long and hard to find a surgeon who would remove these while I remained on coumadin. I urge you to consider the risks very carefully before you go ahead with any cosmetic surgery.

Karlynn · Nov 13, 2006

Some doctors prefer "plain ol'" heparin. I believe there is an injectable form you can do at home, but many people who need to use heparin instead of Lovenox are preadmitted to the hospital up to 5 days prior to have a drip started.

Do you need to have your implants redone? Or asthetically are your breasts okay? If your surgeon feels that the same thing may happen with heparin, I, personally, wouldn't do the surgery again unless you feel you've been left deformed by the previous implants being removed.

I'm glad you found us. We're a very friendly community of people all in the same boat. Tell us more about yourselft when you get a chance.

geebee · Nov 13, 2006

Welcome to VR.com,

I have had a few major surgeries after going on coumadin. One was an operation to fix a scar infection which turned into a huge chest/abdomenal surgery. This surgery was done by a plastic surgeon because I wanted him to "clean up" the scar while he had me open. Not quite "only" cosmetic surgery but certainly a combination.

I only "cranked down" my INR a little for the surgery - no bridging. However, it was a bit messy since the surgery was more extensive than originally thought. The surgeon said he would have done bridging with a hospital stay and IV heparin if he had known the infection was so widespread.

The other ops I have had were all done with a hospital stay and IV heparin. This is the only procedure my cardio would have me do.

Best of luck to you whatever you decide but make sure all your doctors are on the same page.