The plastic surgeon's guide to drugs affecting hemostasis.

The plastic surgeon is encountering an unprecedented population of aging individuals who both desire cosmetic or reconstructive surgery and may require the use of medications that alter hemostasis. The increasing use of anticoagulants and platelet inhibitors in particular can create challenges for the plastic surgeon. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the surgeon with the medications that can affect hemostasis and to suggest strategies for their use in the perioperative period. Specific case examples are presented.