The most common problem facing plastic surgical intervention is bleeding either at the time surgery or in the days during recovery.

Meticulous attention to detail, together with the use of the number other interventions, will reduce this risk.

For a number of years now tranexamic acid has been used to control bleeding in the treatment of patients with trauma and in those undergoing major surgery, such as cardiac surgery.

Tranexamic acid is an anti-fibrinolytics agent that prevents fibrinolysis and increases the patient’s ability to form blood clots.

A recent publication in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal has reviewed 233 publications describing the use of tranexamic acid in surgical practice.

The surgical literature shows a clear benefit to the use of this drug by decreasing blood loss and, via its potent anti-inflammatory effect, reducing bruising and swelling.

More importantly, administration does not appear to increase the risk of thrombosis leading, for example, DVT and pulmonary embolus.

On the basis of medical evidence tranexamic acid is now routinely used in plastic surgical procedures and is administered via an intravenous bolus injection at the time of surgery and also used to topically during surgical procedures.

For full text of the publication view: 

Tranexamic Acid