How Can I Avoid DVT After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Posted in Abdominoplasty

While the risk of developing a serious condition following tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is relatively low, deep vein thrombosis – more commonly referred to as “DVT” – is a real concern that should not be overlooked. Fortunately, the possibility of developing DVT after abdominoplasty can be significantly reduced by avoiding certain risk factors both prior to and after surgery, as well as by following specific postoperative instructions provided by your board-certified plastic surgeon. 

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (or “DVT”) is a term used to describe the formation of a blot clot in a vein found deep in the body (typically in the legs). DVT can sometimes cause symptoms like mild swelling, tenderness, or a heavy sensation in one leg. The main reason DVT is discussed in relation to surgery is that limited movement during recovery can slow blood flow in the legs, which may increase the risk of clotting.*

How Can DVT Be Prevented?

Some of the most common measures that may be recommended to help prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs following tummy tuck include:

• Getting off any hormones or hormone replacements at least three weeks before surgery to decrease the potential for abnormal clotting.

• Abstaining from smoking cigarettes (including e-cigarettes) and/or using any tobacco products for a minimum of one month before and after surgery, ideally with no intent to resume. Doing so can also help in the healing process and decrease the chance of wound breakdowns.

• Wearing compression stockings to help facilitate blood flow and decrease the venous pooling that might occur in the calves and legs.

• Making sure to periodically get up and walk around about every hour when awake throughout the recovery process to increase blood flow.

• Keeping the legs slightly elevated when resting after surgery, as well as conducting isometric exercises to the calves while in bed in order to push blood flow from the legs to the heart. When lying flat, it can also be beneficial to undo the abdominal binder for one hour, two to three times a day to allow the blood flow to run unrestricted from the toes to the top of the head. 

• Taking blood thinners around the time of surgery (for high-risk patients). This is something that should be discussed with your physician, and a decision should be made together by the two of you as to whether or not taking blood thinners is worth the possible risks—or if tummy tuck surgery should be performed at all.

• Finding out if you have any blood dyscrasias, such as factor V (5), in your history.

• Making sure you are in good physical health and have been exercising frequently before surgery. Specifically, knowing you could go up at least four to five flights of stairs without stopping puts most people at a decreased anesthetic risk.

Ultimately, the exact recommendations for helping to avoid DVT will need to be determined on a case by case basis with the surgeon and the patient making the decision together. If you are interested in tummy tuck surgery, it is critical that you review your entire medical and family history with your board-certified plastic surgeon during the consultation process. Following this discussion, Dr. Mills will be able to identify any specific risk factors that relate to you, allowing him to provide appropriate preventative instructions based on your individual needs.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Mills, please contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute.

Editor’s note: This blog was originally posted on November 30th, 2016

Medical References*

WebMD

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