Can You Have Plastic Surgery On Your Period?

Posted on January 23, 2023 in Plastic Surgery

Planning your facial plastic surgery procedure with Dr. Evan Ransom is an exciting time. As you prepare for your procedure and recovery, there’s a lot to keep in mind. If your period falls close to your surgery date, it can add extra stress – fortunately, you don’t have to worry as much as you might think. Here’s what to know about plastic surgery and being on your period during your procedure and recovery.

Your Period and Safety During Surgery

Some facial plastic surgery procedures are performed using general anesthesia (although Dr. Ransom prefers using sedation where possible). You may think that being on your period during plastic surgery can increase your risks, but this actually isn’t the case. As part of your consultation process, Dr. Ransom will order a blood test to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery, and that you don’t have any conditions that might impact the anesthesia. This blood test is not impacted by your period – if your blood test comes back as problematic, then it’s likely related to something else, not your period. Additionally, facial plastic surgery procedures cause very little blood loss when performed by a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. You don’t need to worry about the bleeding you experience because of your period impacting your safety during surgery.

What Period Product Should I Wear During Surgery?

If you’re on your period on the day of surgery, it’s fine to wear whichever period product you’re most comfortable with. Make sure to plan ahead with a heavier tampon or pad if you’re having a heavy flow or a longer procedure. You’ll be able to use the bathroom before you go into surgery and change out your products and freshen up as needed. As with any surgery, there are risks and it’s best to let your surgical team know what you’re wearing in the rare case of an emergency. Especially with procedures that use general anesthesia, a urinary catheter might be needed.

Recovering From Plastic Surgery On Your Period

For more extensive procedures, you may need to prepare for a short recovery period. If you’re on your period during your recovery, it can add extra stress and discomfort. If you think your period will come during this time, make sure to stock up on period products so you don’t have to go to the store. It can also be helpful to switch to more absorbent products so you don’t have to get up to change them as often. Additionally, make sure you have ways to keep yourself comfortable if you typically experience cramping – it’s best to avoid blood-thinning medications like Motrin since these can cause bruising. Finally, you should plan to avoid showering for the first 1-2 days so consider other ways to clean up like baby wipes.

Schedule a Consultation

It’s always best to voice your concerns with Dr. Ransom so you know what to expect from your recovery. With some planning, you can undergo your facial rejuvenation surgery while on your period without too much hassle. Dr. Ransom is a double board-certified, Ivy League-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the leading facial cosmetic surgery expert in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. To schedule a consultation at our San Francisco or Mill Valley offices, contact us by calling or filling out our online form.

Evan Ransom MD

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.