Piercings and Blood thinner medication
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Friday July 10th, 2009 @ 11:16 PM
Filed under: Piercing
I have recently had a stroke and I am now on blood thinner medication (Coumadin/Warfaran). I’d like to get another piercing (ear?) and I would like to know what is the proper protocol for letting my piercer know that I will bleed more due to this new medication when getting pierced and what precautions I need to take extra for aftercare.
Also, is there anything I need to let my doctor know other than I intend to get pierced by a professional piercer?
Hey Cherie, glad you’re feeling a bit better - you must be, if you’re considering your next modifications already! 
I saw that you sent this question in twice, slightly rephrased to address the concerns of getting tattooed on Warfarin, so I’ll respond to both aspects. Regarding tattooing, I’ve found mixed information on the subject, but the manufacturers of Warfarin don’t seem strongly opposed to it from a health standpoint. That being said, excessive bleeding will certainly affect the healed appearance of your tattoo, and you will almost certainly lose a substantial amount of ink and end up with a patchy, uneven tattoo. Personally? I wouldn’t risk it.
From the piercer’s perspective, I, personally, wouldn’t want to pierce someone on Warfarin, and the manufacturers are strongly against patients on Warfarin getting piercings (even of the earlobe) due to the risk of excessive bleeding. And most cartilage piercings are decent bleeders anyway, so that’s not a great idea. Depending on your PT/INR results, you may get your dosage reduced or be off it entirely at some point in the future as your health improves, so in your case, I’d advise holding off for the near future - it’s not worth risking your overall health for a piercing.
And of course, since you’re one of our locals, feel free to call me to discuss more in detail! 
Posted by Lori St.Leone | Permalink | Leave a comment | Trackback
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4 Responses to “Piercings and Blood thinner medication”
Thanks Lori! I hadn’t considered the implications for tattoos and discolouring so thanks for the information!
And yes, I will really think about any piercing or tattoo before going ahead with anything.
I don’t think at this stage that I will ever get off the warfaran, but maybe a reduction of my daily dose, depending on my INR will be OK in the future with doctor’s consent if/when I’m ready to get pierced and/or tattooed.
I’ve also posted this question on InkedNation and had an additional query from a tattooist as well. If you don’t mind, I might respond back to him with your comments.
Cherie on July 11th, 2009 at 12:24 amI was on Coumadin/Warfaran for over three months because of a blood clot and i can tell you that if i cut myself shaving it bleeds a LOT! Wait until your off the Coumadin/Warfaran or your dosage is lowered. The risk is to much.
chuckyc on July 11th, 2009 at 6:04 amI’m currently (and forever) on warfarin for my 2nd & 3rd blood clots that were discovered after my recent C-section. Due to the multiple blood clots in such little time I have to remain on blood thinners. I was so bummed because I’m only 20 & have had tattoos drawn out for years… But it’s definately not worth it. You’ll end up with a goofy home-made looking tatoo that you paid full price for; plus the risk of bleeding out is definately not worth the self expression.. I’ve looked into Hennah ink, granted it’s such a PG form of tattooing; but you’ll be guranteed to never get sick of your ink
You can have sleeves one day & none the next. Way cool alternative for people on blood thinners.
As for the piercings; major bummer. I wanted my lip re-pierced so badly but once again, my health is way more important than body jewelry, just remember piercings can infect the longer it’s an open wound.. blood thinners insure you don’t clot, so you’re beggin’ for infection if you go ahead & get pierced without informing the piercer. .. check into some falsies if you want the look without the bleeding & pain!
Meg on August 13th, 2009 at 2:58 pmI totally know how you all feel if not worse. I am only 18 and I will forever be on coumadin due to a blood condition that appeared after I got a blood clot when I was seveteen. I would definately ask your doctor and wait to get off your meds before you got any piercings/ tattoos.
Hope all goes well
Jessalyn on November 11th, 2009 at 8:38 pmLeave a Comment