What’s a good hemoglobin level to be at prior to an Abdominoplasty?

Question

Currently my hemoglobin level is 10.6. Should I defer this procedure until my levels are at a normal rate? Suggestions please?

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.   In general, 11-12 is adequate for surgery if attention to hemostasis is meticulous.
Continue your iron pills, eat a diet supplemented with dark leafy veggies, liver, lentils, almonds, dried apricots, beets, and other high iron foods.  Then have your labs repeated. Your PS can tell you whether to defer your surgery until later.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are many factors that get taken into account when getting surgery. It would be best to speak to your board certified plastic surgeon and primary care physician to determine what would be the best option for you. Dr. Dhaval M. Patel, M.D., FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonChicago, ILHoffman Estates, ILOakbrook, ILOrland Park, IL

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  The decision to pursue surgery with this HgB depends on a number of factors, not least of which is the anticipated amount of surgery to be performed.  I would continue to speak with your surgeon in order to determine the best course of action.  For most uncomplicated tummy tucks, your current levels should be fine to pursue surgery.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. In a young healthy individual with no significant anticipated blood loss, a Hb of more than 10.5 should be enough for a standard tummy tuck. But, this is a decision that ultimately your plastic surgeon has to make.  Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.                                             
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

This would be an individual choice between you and your surgeon. If you are on the small side blood loss is not a great risk. At your hematocrit I would not be concerned that you might need a transfusion.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  As long as you are otherwise healthy with no major medical conditions, then this hemoglobin level is fine for surgery.  You would need medical clearance from your primary care physician.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ready20201,
your lab results should be within normal in order to be a good candidate for an elective procedure. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

Assuming your anemia has been worked up by your PCP and you are on appropriate supplementation - its not unusual for some women to have mild anemia in the peri-operative period. I certainly would feel comfortable doing a tummy tuck for a female patient with a hematocrit of 33 on iron supplementation.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

A hemoglobin level of 10.6 (in the absence of bleeding) is adequate for an abdominoplasty procedure (provided you do not have other medical conditions poorly controlled).Dr T

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Your HGB is 10.5, and is this high enough for a tummy tuck is the question. It would be high enough if your Internest has cleared you for surgery and there is no active bleeding to explain your low Hgb. Also your Hgb. is high enough if you do not have a massive amount of liposuction and a very large abdomen.The problem is not generally the TT itself, as there is very little blood lost, but any of the rare post operative complications such as bleeding. At a Hgb. of 10.5, you do not have enough reserve for such complications.The best bet is to be examined and assessed by a plastic surgeon board certified by the American. Board of Plastic Surgery.

What’s a good hemoglobin level to be at prior to an Abdominoplasty?

Answers (14)

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