Can I have liposuction if I am on blood thinners?

Liposuction creates tunnels in your subcutaneous fat. In the process, tiny blood vessels are damaged that can lead to bleeding. Since liposuction solution containing epinephrine is used to infiltrate the fat, the epinephrine shrinks down the size of blood vessels such that the bleeding is diminished. However, if you take blood thinners and anti-platelet agents such as aspirin, coumadin, Plavix, Xarelto or take ibuprofen regularly, the body is not able to stop the minute bleeding effectively, leading to an increased risk of significant bleeding during your surgery, blood collections after surgery that may require drainage, or at the very minimum, significant bruising.

If you are on any blood thinning medication, inform your doctor. In some cases, these medications can be safely discontinued 1 to 2 weeks before surgery, but in other cases, it may be unsafe to stop these medications such that you should not undergo the liposuction procedure.

Herbal remedies (including teas and soft drinks with herbal additives) and vitamin pills especially Vitamin E should also be stopped before your surgery after discussing with your physician. This also includes common herbal “blood thinning” agents such as turmeric and saw palmetto.

Products to avoid before liposuction surgery

The following over the counter and prescription medications should also be stopped prior to liposuction surgery, strictly upon the advice of your physician. If for some reason you can’t stop taking one of the these medications, contact your liposuction surgeon immediately.