What is the ideal level that your hemoglobin should be before having a tummy tuck with lipo, and is 9.6 too low?

Hi, 9.6 is pretty low as a pre-op level, especially with liposuction being done. Tummy tucks do not usually bleed much, but liposuction has bleeding within the tissues (bruising) and you may get down to around 7, or lower. Mainly it would take a long time to recover and you may be very tired and weak for many weeks. You should discuss a pre-op iron induction with you surgeon, rather than a blood transfusion. Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney, Australia

Yes 9.6 is too low.  There is no ideal level as such, but it should at least be in the lower limit of the normal.

Hemoglobin is a protein which brings oxygen to the tissues and will be a MUST to have it normal and hopefully above, in order to heal properly, because the healing process continues for more than a month.Anemia is associated with open wounds, infections, long period of swelling, feeling of being extremely tired for months.Actually the level of hemoglobin must be above 11 and hopefully above 12 for your well being.Dr. Cardenas

Hello and thank you for your question. I would recommend that you see your primary medical physician for a full check-up.  You may need iron supplementation or other interventions.  Once you are able to obtain full medical clearance, you can proceed forward with surgery.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
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.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hello dear!Thanks for the question.Certainly, 9.6 is too low, and if that is your hemoglobin levels you should get check to know the cause of it.For any kind of procedure you should have your have your hemoglobin levels above 12.0, and the exactly level will depend on how much fat you have.I recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for a good evaluation and to talk about your concerns and goals. Good luck :)

Thank you for the question. Always best to check with your plastic surgeon about his/her guidelines. Generally speaking a hemoglobin of 12 or above would be considered “normal”. Slightly lower hemoglobin could also be acceptable depending on the specific patient... Much will depend on exactly what is planned during the procedure and what the anticipated blood loss is. For example, if a significant amount of liposuction surgery is planned, you may be best off postponing surgery.
Hopefully, you have had a workup to determine the CAUSE of the low hemoglobin level you are starting with. If not, seek consultation with an internist or your primary care physician.
 Best wishes.
 

Usually a hemoglobin in the vicinity of 11 or higher is probably best. First you have to figure out why it is low. If it is just iron deficiency, then iron supplements should help.