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

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

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.

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