Eye liposuction is a common plastic surgery, mainly used to remove orbital fat, improve eye swelling, edema or eye bags, so as to achieve the purpose of improving the beauty of eye contour. Before undergoing the operation, patients need to make adequate preparations. One of the key links is drug management. Discontinuation of certain drugs can significantly reduce the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications , which is of great significance to the success of the operation and the quality of recovery. This article will discuss the importance of drug management before eye liposuction, the types of drugs that need to be discontinued, the timing of discontinuation and related clinical recommendations.
1. The importance of drug management before eye liposuction surgery
Eye liposuction is an invasive procedure. Although the incision is small, complications such as bleeding, hematoma, and infection may still occur during the operation . Some common drugs may affect blood coagulation function, immune response or wound healing, so they need to be evaluated and adjusted reasonably before surgery.
A reasonable drug discontinuation strategy can:
① Reduce intraoperative bleeding and postoperative bruising
② Reduce the incidence of hematoma and infection
③. Improve the speed of postoperative recovery
④. Ensure the effectiveness and safety of anesthetic and analgesic drugs
Therefore, detailed preoperative medication history collection and evaluation should be one of the standard procedures for preoperative preparation.
2. Types and principles of drugs that need to be discontinued before surgery
The following are the categories of drugs that need to be discontinued before surgery and their mechanisms:
1. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
Representative drugs: warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), rivaroxaban, apixaban, etc.
Mechanism of action: Inhibits coagulation factors or platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time.
Clinical risks: continuous intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hematoma, and uncontrollable congestion.
Stopping medication recommendations:
①. Warfarin: Stop 5–7 days before surgery and adjust according to INR monitoring
②. Aspirin: Stop taking 7–10 days before surgery
③. New oral anticoagulants (such as rivaroxaban): Stop taking the drug 48–72 hours before surgery, depending on renal function
Note: People at high risk of thrombosis need to consult with internal medicine or cardiologists to develop a "bridging anticoagulation" plan
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Representative drugs: ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, etc.
Mechanism of action: Inhibits cyclooxygenase, reduces prostaglandin synthesis, and has a significant anticoagulant effect.
Clinical risks: Increased risk of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding.
Medication discontinuation recommendation: Stop medication 3–5 days before surgery.
3. Herbal and nutritional supplements
Common types: Ginkgo, vitamin E, garlic extract, ginseng, fish oil
Mechanism of action: Some have antiplatelet aggregation effects or affect vascular permeability.
Clinical risks: Interference with normal coagulation function and increased intraoperative bleeding.
Discontinuation recommendation: Stop taking 7–10 days before surgery.
4. Hormone drugs (including oral and topical)
Representative drugs: prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.
Mechanism of action: Inhibits inflammatory response. Long-term use will suppress the immune system and delay wound healing.
Clinical risks: postoperative infection and delayed wound healing.
Medication discontinuation advice: Gradually reduce or discontinue medication after evaluation with your doctor before surgery. It is strictly forbidden to discontinue medication without authorization.
5. Certain antidepressants or psychiatric drugs
Representative drugs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants
Mechanism of action: Partially affects platelet aggregation.
Clinical risks: Potential bleeding tendency.
Discontinuation recommendations: Consult with a psychiatrist based on the patient's medical history to assess whether to adjust or continue medication.
3. Preoperative medication withdrawal process recommendations
In order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of drug withdrawal, it is recommended to establish a standardized process:
Preoperative evaluation : A systematic interview and physical examination should be performed 2–3 weeks before surgery, and a detailed history of medication use should be recorded, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements.
Doctor-patient communication : The plastic surgeon will clearly inform the patient of the type of medication to be discontinued and the time to discontinue medication based on the patient's individual situation.
Interdisciplinary collaboration : Chronic disease managers (such as patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression) should work with relevant specialists to develop medication discontinuation and alternative treatment plans.
Preoperative confirmation : 1-2 days before surgery, confirm that the patient has stopped medication as required and recheck coagulation function if necessary.
IV. Individual Differences and Precautions for Special Populations
1. Elderly patients
Most elderly patients have comorbid chronic diseases, use multiple types of medications, and have complex drug interactions, which require intensive evaluation.
Recommendation: Collaborate with physicians to evaluate and shorten the operation time if necessary to reduce intraoperative injuries.
2. Patients with high-risk coagulation disorders
If a patient has hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, or liver dysfunction, surgery is relatively contraindicated and requires careful treatment.
3. People who use hormones or immunosuppressants
For patients suffering from diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, immune status and infection risk should be assessed before surgery.
5. Brief description of drug management during postoperative recovery
Attention should also be paid to drug management during the postoperative recovery period. It is generally not recommended to immediately resume the above-mentioned discontinued drugs. The medication should be gradually resumed under the guidance of a doctor in combination with wound healing and coagulation conditions. In addition, some analgesics such as acetaminophen can replace NSAIDs to relieve postoperative discomfort.
Recommended medications after surgery:
①. Antibiotics: used to prevent infection
② Acetaminophen: A safer painkiller
③. Cold compress and raising head posture: help reduce swelling and stop bleeding
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although eye liposuction is a minor plastic surgery, preoperative drug management is a key link to ensure safety and postoperative beauty. Patients should truthfully inform all medications they are currently taking and strictly stop taking them according to the doctor's instructions, especially those involving anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and hormone drugs. More caution is required. Medical staff should strengthen multidisciplinary cooperation and develop individualized preoperative plans to maximize surgical safety and cosmetic effects.