Can You Have Surgery When You Have Your Period
Believe it or not, this is one of the questions we’re most commonly asked. While it is possible to have Plastic Surgery while you have your period, it is not ideal. In fact, some of our CosMediTour Surgeons even postpone certain procedures, including Breast Surgery, Abdominal Surgery and Labiaplasty, if their client is due to menstruate in the 3 days before or 3 days after their surgery. Read on to find out why.
Do I have to tell my Surgeon if I have my period?
Yes. It’s important your Surgeon and their medical team know that you have your period. Failure to do so may lead them to misdiagnose your post-surgery bleeding as a rare complication. To get the most optimal care and results, please be upfront about your period – no matter how uncomfortable the conversation may seem.
why having your period during surgery is not ideal
We know how disheartening it can be for our clients who have had their surgeries postponed. However, there are five significant reasons why it is not an ideal scenario.
HORMONE LEVELS & HEALING
Your hormone levels impact on your body’s ability to heal. Studies show that, in some cases, women who have their period during surgery are at greater risk of poor scarring and slow wound healing after their procedure.
It is difficult to assess how your periods may impact on your healing as everyone’s period is different. For some, hormone levels spike higher than others.
We recommend meeting with your GP if you’re planning a plastic surgery procedure during your period, so they can discuss your hormone levels and what to expect in terms of healing.
higher risk of Haematoma
Haematoma and blood clotting are common risks for all surgical procedures. However, clients with a pre-existing blood clotting issue may be at greater risk of haematoma if they undergo surgery while menstruating.
To manage your own risk, it is important that you openly discuss your health, medications and any existing conditions with your CosMediTour Client Manager during your free assessment, as well as your Surgeon.
Breast Size Increase
Some women experience an increase in breast size, and overall body size, in the lead up to their period. For some, these changes can be quite dramatic. If this is the case for you, and you’re planning to undergo Breast or Body Surgery, your Surgeon may need to postpone your procedure as some of the important surgical decisions around things such as what size implants to choose can be impacted.
Additional Personal Discomfort
Aches and pains, lower back pain, muscle and abdominal cramps often come with periods. While the severity varies person to person we don’t want you feeling run down or uncomfortable beforehand. You will also not be able to take any medication to manage menstrual symptoms before your surgery.
Extended Recovery time
Bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and fluid retention are common symptoms of menstruation and are very similar to those caused by general anaesthetic. So it’s difficult to understand how your body is responding to surgery. What’s more, these symptoms may persist for longer due to the cumulative effect. While not a health concern per se, it may mean it takes longer for your body to return to normal after the stress of surgery.
What do i do if I think I’ll have my period on my surgery date?
We recommend that clients undergoing Breast Surgery, Abdominal Surgery, and Labiaplasty in particular, contact their Client Manager to discuss their concerns. Importantly, if you have, or could potentially have a blood clotting problem, please let us know and contact your Surgeon or General Practitioner whether your surgery can be done during menstruation.
If your Surgeon agrees it safe for you to have your period during surgery, please let nursing staff know so that they can care for you properly during recovery. Please only wear a pad on surgery day as tampons increase your risk of infection.
FURTHER Information
To learn more about surgery and your periods, feel free to connect with our friendly Client Support Team.