Decreasing Venous Thromboembolism With Anticoagulation in Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a devastating complication in aesthetic plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons are advised to approach VTE prevention proactively by modifying the perioperative risk profile of their patients. Herein, the authors review the evidence of pharmacologic prevention of VTE in plastic surgery, caution surgeons that blanket treatment based on Caprini score alone should be avoided, and advocate for case-by-case individualized therapy for every patient. Methods: A review of evidence for the pharmacologic prevention of VTE in plastic surgery was performed. Results/Conclusion: A proactive approach to VTE prevention can be achieved by employing both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic evidence-based interventions. While the choice to use anticoagulation medications should be guided by calculation of a Caprini score for each patient, surgeons should continue to maintain their clinical judgment to prevent complications from over and under treatment.