Can I get breast implants if I have anemia or is it too risky?

Question

Hello, I recently went through a medical check with my surgeon and they discovered through blood test results that I have blood level of 7.4 or something around 7. So I am basically anemic. My surgery was suppose to be due to be in 3 weeks but this may push it back significantly from what I’m hearing from my doctor. I would like to know the risk of pursuing surgery with this level and if there is any way I can up my levels greatly for the procedure. I am getting breast implants.

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If your hemoglobin is at 7.4 it can be risky I would suggest taking Iron for at least 3 weeks until your hemoglobin levels go up. I suggest seeking an Internist doctor for evaluation with blood work to suggest and recommend treatment and prepare you for surgery first. Best of luck

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This is dependent upon a host of factors including the amount of surgery performed, the cause of the anemia if present, and the treatment necessary to improve that anemia.  BAM can be performed for most individuals with a hemoglobin above 10 or 11; risk of low hemoglobin is bleeding. Your hematologist will have to approve you for surgery. Your surgeon or hematologist should be able to recommend an appropriate regimen based upon the cause for the anemia.  Taking iron pills and Vitamin C along with eating dark leafy veggies, liver, lentils, almonds, dried apricots, beets, and other high iron foods will also help to elevate the level.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Yes, safety is a priority.   I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear YEG21,every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeonDaniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Much will depend on factors such as how low your hemoglobin is, what the cause of the anemia is, and exactly what procedure (and how much anticipated blood loss) is planned.  
Good medical practice would dictate that you follow-up with your primary care physician or internist for evaluation; he/she will be able to determine the cause of any anemia and recommend treatment based on diagnosis.  Best wishes for a safe procedure and an outcome that you will be pleased with as well.

Jeffrey H. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question!  Your blood level is more about your body's reserve in case there is an issue with bleeding either during the surgery or afterwards.  In most of the cases of breast implants there is no issues with bleeding so chances are you will be fine.  The risk is if you are one of the small number of patients who are not fine, then your blood level goes down.  If it goes down past a point where your body can adjust to it, then much bigger problems come into play.  If you have a normal blood level the cushion that your body has is much bigger.  At 21, it is extremely small.  In the case of a completely elective surgery, it would be hard to justify operating on a patient with such a low blood level if something were to happen.  I would recommend figuring out why your blood level is so low and work on getting it higher.  Good luck!

Can I get breast implants if I have anemia or is it too risky?

Answers (6)

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