Can I have a mommy makeover with a high WBC count?

Question

Hello, I have had a high WBC for most of my life. I have see di d inc a hematologist but no one has been able to pinpoint what the problem is. I am scheduled to have surgery on 5/26. Is there a chance that the doctor will still do the surgery ?

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A chronically elevated WBC count does not cancel a mommy makeover, especially if this has been stable for years and you’ve already been evaluated by a hematologist with no active illness found. Before elective surgery, your surgeon and anesthesia team will usually want a recent CBC, your hematology notes, and confirmation that there is no active infection or untreated medical problem. If your WBC is only mildly elevated and stable, many surgeons will still proceed; if it is very high or changing, they may postpone until it is clarified. The safest next step is to send your recent labs and hematology clearance to your surgeon as soon as possible so they can decide before surgery day.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

If this is something that you and your doctors have looked this and there is no cause of concern, you may just need medical clearance from them prior to surgery. Inform your plastic surgeon and have a clearance ready to avoid delays and you should be fine proceeding with surgery.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

A chronically elevated WBC that your hematologist has already worked up is very different from an acute infection, and on its own does not cancel a mommy makeover. What your surgeon needs is the workup in writing.

Before May 26, get a hematology clearance letter on file. It should state that your leukocytosis is stable, longstanding, benign in character (no shift left, no abnormal cell forms on smear), and that no acute infection or hematologic malignancy is currently suspected. A recent CBC with differential within two to four weeks of surgery is standard.

Your surgeon will pair that with a normal preop workup including a CMP, a coagulation panel, an EKG if indicated, and a clinical exam looking for any signs of active infection or skin compromise where the incisions will go. Tummy tuck and breast incisions are the surfaces I worry about.

If the hematologist signs off and you have no acute symptoms, most surgeons will proceed. If anything looks off this week, push the date rather than walk into the OR blind.

#StayBeautiful,

@RealDrWorldWide

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear karli05,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You will need to get a clearance prior to surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Murat Diyarbakirlioglu, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello! In many cases, surgery can still proceed in patients with chronically elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts, especially if the elevation has been stable for a long time and has already been evaluated by a hematologist without evidence of an active or serious underlying condition.

The most important factors are:
• how elevated the WBC count is
• whether the levels are stable or suddenly increasing
• whether there are signs of active infection or inflammation
• your overall medical history and current health status
• the conclusions and clearance from your specialists

Before surgery, your surgeon and anesthesiologist will carefully review your blood work and medical history to determine whether it is safe to proceed. If this is a known chronic finding and you are otherwise healthy and asymptomatic, it does not automatically mean the surgery will be canceled.

However, the final decision can only be made after reviewing your most recent laboratory results and any hematology reports. I would recommend sending your recent blood tests and specialist evaluations to your surgical team as early as possible so they can assess everything in advance and advise you appropriately.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The only one who can answer this question for you is your surgeon.  A high WBC could be related to many things and there are different degrees of "high".  Your surgeon will advise if it is safe to proceed now or if clearance from your hematologist is needed.

Can I have a mommy makeover with a high WBC count?

Answers (6)

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