Deep vein thrombosis happens when a clot forms in a vein, usually in the legs. When part of that clot travels to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism can occur.
Although these events are uncommon, they can be serious. That is why prevention holds a central place in surgical planning.
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When prevention deserves even greater attention
Prevention holds a central place in planning, especially in:
- abdominoplasty;
- body contouring surgeries;
- combined procedures;
- longer surgeries;
- patients with individual risk factors.
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Structured risk assessment: the Caprini score
Every surgical patient undergoes a systematic thrombosis risk assessment using the Caprini score. This tool organizes factors such as:
- age;
- weight;
- history of thrombosis;
- family history;
- hormone use;
- presence of varicose veins;
- associated conditions;
- mobility;
- scope of the surgery;
- expected duration;
- associated procedures.
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Individual factors considered in the assessment
Beyond the score, the preoperative assessment considers clinical information that directly affects risk:
- personal or family history of thrombosis;
- use of contraceptives or other hormones;
- previous surgeries and prior complications;
- ongoing conditions and treatments;
- weight fluctuations and nutritional status;
- smoking and nicotine use;
- ability to walk after surgery;
- type, duration and extent of the procedure;
- combination of different surgeries.
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Preventive measures
Depending on the risk and the type of surgery, prevention may involve:
- use of compression stockings;
- early movement;
- hydration;
- reduced periods of immobility;
- responsible planning of surgical time;
- preventive medication when indicated;
- monitoring of mobility after surgery.
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Preventive medication
The decision to use medication considers both thrombosis risk and bleeding risk. For this reason, there is no single prevention regimen suitable for every patient.
The patient should not start or stop medications on her own. Any change needs to be discussed with the responsible medical team.
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Mobilization and early walking
Dr. André encourages all of his patients, in every surgery, to walk early, including on the same day as the procedure.
The first walks are carried out briefly, carefully, progressively, supervised when necessary, and compatible with the patient's clinical stability.
Walking early helps circulation, lung expansion, bowel function, reducing periods of immobility, preventing thrombosis, and a gradual return to independence.
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Combined surgeries and thrombosis risk
Combining procedures can increase surgical duration, the extent of the areas treated, difficulty with mobilization and thrombosis risk.
For that reason, performing more procedures in a single surgery is not automatically better. When necessary, splitting treatment into stages is a safety strategy. See the full content on patient safety.
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Signs that need assessment
Contact the team if you notice:
- pain or swelling in one leg;
- redness or hardening in the calf;
- unexpected worsening of general condition.
Frequently asked questions
It is a tool used to organize thrombosis risk factors. It helps the team define which preventive measures may be necessary for each patient.
No. Medication is indicated according to thrombosis risk, the type of surgery and bleeding risk.
Dr. André encourages all of his patients, in every surgery, to walk on the same day as the procedure. This movement begins once the patient shows adequate clinical conditions and is carried out briefly, carefully and progressively.
Next step
Have your case assessed by Dr. André Linhares.
Indication depends on an individual medical assessment. Book a consultation to understand what is possible in your case.
Content reviewed by Dr. André Linhares - Physician, Plastic Surgeon | CRM-PR 31.110 | RQE-PR 29.720. Membro da Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica.
Last review: August 2026.
This content is educational and does not replace a medical consultation. Indication depends on an individual assessment. Plastic surgery involves risks, limits, scars and recovery time.
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