Can I have surgery with an elevated WBC?

Question

I am 38 with Type II DM. My lab work shows my WBC as elevated for the past few months. My doctor doesn't seem concerned. My HgbA1c is well controlled. I want to get a mommy makeover but I am worried about being refused for my lab work.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. An abnormally high WBC should be investigated before surgery. There are several causes of high WBC and sometimes a hematologists needs to get involved. Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Lab normal values will only include the majority of the population.  Some people may be normal but slightly outside the normal range.  The plastic surgeon who will be performing your surgery will determine the required lab work.  If he/she or their anesthesiologist determines that you need clearance for the mommy makeover by your PCP and specialists, he/she will follow up with them.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, it really depends on if your WBC is indicative of a problem,  please ask your primary care doctor to comment if any further work up is mandated.  Good Luck.

Samir S. Rao, MD · Answer

Any lab abnormalities should be thoroughly investigated prior to surgery.  If after a thorough investigation you are deemed cleared for surgery despite an elevated WBC, it can be safe to proceed, but the decision would be made by your surgeon.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Unfortunately without knowing your full medical history, the degree of elevation in your WBC, or the procedures you are aiming to have as a part of your mommy makeover it is difficult to give you an accurate answer.  I would counsel you to work with all of your medical doctors to optimize your DM and any other health issues prior to any procedure.  Hope this helps.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
Please talk to your primary doctor to get clearance for plastic surgery and then I suggest you to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for your goals.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to discuss the situation with your surgeon and primary care doctor.  The cause for the elevated WBC needs to be looked into before determining if it is okay for you to safely proceed with surgery.  A consultation with a specialist or further testing may be needed.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Gacarter1,Hello and thank you for your excellent question.  Without more information, I really can't give you appropriate advice for your question.  What is your current HgbA1c? What is your white blood cell count? Are you having any other symptoms? Do you have any reason for your white blood cell count to be elevated? For patients at risk of infection, I typically recommend a No-Vertical-Scar, No-Implant breast lift technique.  Some people refer to this as the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

Can I have surgery with an elevated WBC?

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