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

7 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 am

I 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 am

I’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 pm

I 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 pm

i was on warfarin/coumadin from feb 09′-sept 09, i then got switched to lovenox but now im on arixtra & my doctors approved of me getting tattoos and piercings.CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING!

Neeca on December 20th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

hiya there that bit where you sed about tattos is not realy tru way it depend on the person but i am on warfrin due to haveing a mental hart valve and ime on a very high does ime on between 10 and 13mg i have had 5 tatto’s and only 1 i have had to have recoloured. and none of them realy bled only 1 and my inr as to be 3.5 due to the valve and mostd pples on warfrin only has to be 2.5. also i have got my ears 2s and belly i only had my second hole in my ear dun 3months ago and i dint have to have any tablets. wen 1std had my 1st pieceing 3year ago u used to have to have table but now you do not have to have anything. you justd have to do as the place you have it dun said but 4 a bit longer and 4 cleaning justd use worm water to but 2 3 times day more than you would normaly. i would contac ur doctur 1std but realy u dnt blean shit loads like poeple say. far inuff difrent pple are difrent. but 4 my 1st tatto i justd ad a letter A with litle patten round to see how it went and that and it was fine i no a few pple on warfrin and had tattos ect.

andrea on February 6th, 2010 at 9:43 pm

also i went on warfrin wen i was 12 to save my life cus it was iver metal valve and warfin or nothing as i died on the table i have now been on warfrin for 7year. yes that is tru where that girl who is 20 sai she bleeds alot if she cuts er self shaveing. wich is tru but i bleed alot more if i cut my legs shaveing or fingers cutting up stiff than i did wen i had i pieceing and tatto.

andrea on February 6th, 2010 at 9:48 pm

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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 am
I 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 am
I’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 pm
I 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 pm
i was on warfarin/coumadin from feb 09′-sept 09, i then got switched to lovenox but now im on arixtra & my doctors approved of me getting tattoos and piercings.CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING!
Neeca on December 20th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
hiya there that bit where you sed about tattos is not realy tru way it depend on the person but i am on warfrin due to haveing a mental hart valve and ime on a very high does ime on between 10 and 13mg i have had 5 tatto’s and only 1 i have had to have recoloured. and none of them realy bled only 1 and my inr as to be 3.5 due to the valve and mostd pples on warfrin only has to be 2.5. also i have got my ears 2s and belly i only had my second hole in my ear dun 3months ago and i dint have to have any tablets. wen 1std had my 1st pieceing 3year ago u used to have to have table but now you do not have to have anything. you justd have to do as the place you have it dun said but 4 a bit longer and 4 cleaning justd use worm water to but 2 3 times day more than you would normaly. i would contac ur doctur 1std but realy u dnt blean shit loads like poeple say. far inuff difrent pple are difrent. but 4 my 1st tatto i justd ad a letter A with litle patten round to see how it went and that and it was fine i no a few pple on warfrin and had tattos ect.
andrea on February 6th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
also i went on warfrin wen i was 12 to save my life cus it was iver metal valve and warfin or nothing as i died on the table i have now been on warfrin for 7year. yes that is tru where that girl who is 20 sai she bleeds alot if she cuts er self shaveing. wich is tru but i bleed alot more if i cut my legs shaveing or fingers cutting up stiff than i did wen i had i pieceing and tatto.
andrea on February 6th, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Piercings and Blood thinner medication

«« Sternum piercing while taking pills? Does LITHA really work? »»

Friday July 10th, 2009 @ 11:16 PM

Filed under: Piercing

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