5 Reasons Why Having Your Period During Surgery Is Not Ideal

Concerns about surgery and menstruation are some of the most frequently asked questions our Client Support Team get. If you’ve stumbled across the numerous sources stating that having surgery while on your period (or undergoing general anaesthesia while menstruating) is perfectly safe, we’re not here to discount that—technically you can have your period during some surgical procedures*. What we do want to point out is that it’s not ideal to have certain plastic surgery during menstruation. In fact, some CosMediTour Surgeons will postpone procedures if their client is due to get their period 3 days pre- or post-surgery.

As disheartening as this can be to hear, the reasons why our Surgeons state that it’s not ideal to have your period during surgery are extremely important. We recommend that clients undergoing Breast Surgery, Mummy Makeover, and Labiaplasty in particular, read the top 5 reasons below and then contact their Client Manager to discuss their concerns further in person. If you have, or could potentially have a blood clotting problem, please let us know and contact your General Practitioner (GP) to ask can surgery be done during menstruation. 

*Note, if your Surgeon does deem it safe for you to have your period during surgery, it’s important that you let nursing staff know so that they can care for you properly during recovery. Please only wear a pad on surgery day—tampons increase your risk of infection. 

Reason 1: Hormone Levels & Healing 

So, if some surgeons answer, ‘yes’, when asked can surgery be done during menstruation, and some answer, ‘no’, what are the reasons for it? The first relates to your hormone levels and how they affect your body’s ability to heal. Studies have shown that, in some cases, women who have their period during surgery experience an increased risk of poor scarring and slow wound healing after the procedure. This is a result of elevated hormone levels—for some women, the spike is higher than others. 

Everyone’s period is different, and you know your body best. It can be a good idea to speak to your GP if you’re planning a plastic surgery procedure, so that they can talk to you more about hormone levels and what to expect in terms of healing. 

Reason 2: Haematoma Risk

Clients who have an existing blood clotting issue may be at greater risk of haematoma if they undergo surgery while menstruating. Haematoma and blood clotting are common risks for all surgical procedures. To ensure that you have an optimal experience with CosMediTour, please be upfront about your health conditions when completing your free assessment for Surgical Recommendation. Your Surgeon will also ask you to be open and honest about your health and medications (including over-the-counter medications) during consultations. This is because they need to know all about you so that they can keep you safe during surgery. 

Reason 3: Breast Size Increase

Some women experience an increase in breast size, and overall body size, in the lead up to their period. While these temporary changes can be minor in some women, others can go up 2 to 3 sizes during menstruation. 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. This is because some of the important surgical decisions (e.g. what size implants to choose) can be impacted. If you go ahead with the surgery without letting your Surgeon and their medical team know, they may think that your bleeding post-surgery is a rare complication. To get the most optimal care and results, be upfront about your period, no matter how uncomfortable the conversation may seem. 

Reason 4: Unneeded Personal Discomfort 

Aches and pains, such as lower back pain, muscle and abdominal cramps are commonly associated with menstruation. The degree of menstrual discomfort varies between clients but does have the ability to cloud your overall Thailand plastic surgery experience. Getting plastic surgery should be an exciting time—not one when you feel run down and uncomfortable. What’s more, the medications you take to cope with the pain, even if just paracetamol, may impact your Surgeon’s ability to operate. Be kind to yourself and learn to track your menstrual cycle so that you can go into surgery anticipating your stunning results and feeling your best. 

Reason 5: Extended Recovery

The side effects of menstruation – bloating, fluid retention, diarrhoea, and constipation – are similar to those caused by general anaesthetic. While you can safely go under anaesthesia while on your period, you may experience side effects as you recover. It’s normal for your body to swell while it heals (and constipation from anaesthesia is also normal). The problem with having your period thrown into the mix is that you won’t know what is causing your body’s reaction and it could last longer due to the cumulative effect. Again, this is not a safety issue, as such, but it can add to the time your body takes to normalise after the stress of surgery. 

Learning More: Can Surgery Affect Your Period? 

Looking for more information about what happens if a woman has her period during surgery? Our Client Support Team are asked a range of questions about what to expect before, during, and after CosMediTour plastic surgery procedures. If you’ve ever wondered, “how can surgery affect your period?” we’ve got you covered. Click to read our blog on the Menstrual Cycle After Plastic Surgery or contact us to get your CosMediTour journey started. 

Disclaimer: Please note that any information provided should be used only as an information guide and not CosMediTour giving advice. Do your own valid surgery research and seek advice from a General Practitioner to enable you to be fully informed about surgery. CosMediTour Surgery Terms & Conditions apply.