My hemoglobin level is 10.2. Will I still be able to get breast surgery?

There is minimal blood loss during breast surgery, so that is not the issue.  What I would want to investigate is why is your hemoglobin on the lower end?  If we already know the cause (i.e. heavy menses, etc) I would say that you would be good to go if you were my patient.If we do not know the cause, then I would want you to see your family doctor and have them find out why it is so.Hope that helps.

You will just need to discuss your lab results with your surgeon ahead of time. It is very important to do elective surgery under optimal conditions to increase the chances of having a great result with the fewest possible complications. As always, be sure to research who performs your surgery to ensure the best likelihood of a positive result.

Hello, thank you for the question.
I personally dont recommend it, just in case any thing happens. I always recommend hemoglobin levels over 12 for BA. Remember, always safety first!!!
Best of lucks.
Dr. Luis Mejia

Thanks for your question! Every surgeon has different levels of comfort and different protocols when operating on a patient. Personally, I would likely still do a straightforward breast augmentation because there is very little blood loss. If you were a breast lift or mommy makeover, I may feel differently. Regardless, you should still follow up with your primary care physician to see if there are any underlying issues. Good luck!

This fact needs to be determined. Also they will check to see if you are symptomatic with a lower hemoglobin. If all checks out, stable and not a new issue, then in my experience breast surgery goes forward as usual. Good luck.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and AuthorRealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

If your anemia is no problem, but I would like to know the cause of your anemia. Also weight, height, age, or relevant medical history. Otherwise if you live at sea level, no problem. Start taking an iron supplement now.

Thank you for your question. Safety is a requirement for any elective surgery. With breast surgery there is very little blood loss and would be safe. However, I would first have your family doctor determine the cause of your low hemoglobin before your surgery is performed. There are many reasons for a low hemoglobin and this should be determined first.

Dear minipooh87,
you should be healthy prior to any elective procedure. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Hello, thank you for your question. It is important that when we have a surgical procedure our hemoglobin is not low. The red blood cells that are in our blood are like cars that carry our oxygen in the form of hemoglobin. When we have a surgery to be able to have a good recovery and good surgery outcome it is important to have a good hemoglobin level, ideally it should be over 12.

You will want to discuss this with your surgeon as opinions may vary.  Though blood loss during breast augmentation is minimal, it is a good idea for you to look into why your hemoglobin level is low.