Can I have a neck lift even if I take medication to thin the blood?

Your questions answered by our surgeon, Lucian Ion, FRCS(Plast)

Asked on 02 September 2011

Question

I am enquiring about a neck-lift. I had a stent put into an artery last year, and I take clopidogrel to thin the blood. I don't want to stop taking this.

Can I still have the surgery? Can I have the surgery near to my home (Wolverhampton)?

Answer

It is difficult to answer the question regarding the neck lift without an appreciation of the degree of the problem as far as the neck contour is concerned.

To some extent, neck lift surgery can be tailored to take into consideration general health concerns. Without any doubt, clopidogrel increases the risk of bleeding with surgery, so a smaller intervention would be required.

It is therefore necessary to evaluate a consultation the neck contour and the degree of correction required to be able to provide some options for treatment, and to see whether they are agreeable to you. Invariably, health and safety considerations would have to take priority over aesthetic matters.

Mr Lucian Ion FRCS(Plast)
129 Harley Street
London
W1G 6BA