What should your iron level be for a breast augmentation?

Typically we look for our patients to have a hemoglobin that is >12 before considering going into surgery. The iron level is not something that we usually specifically test unless you have a history of iron deficiency or an issue with your iron levels.

I don't usually ask for a iron level before a breast augmentation.  We do want to know that the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in the blood are normal.  An iron level may be requested if you have or have had a history of  anemia due to low levels of iron.   

We don’t look at iron level specifically but rather your hemoglobin level which is found in the red blood cells that carry oxygen. We want this level (hemoglobin) to be in the normal range. If your hemoglobin is low then your primary care physician or hematologist will then check your iron levels (along with other tests) to determine why your hemoglobin is low and if low iron is the culprit then work to raise your iron level which can be done with pills or intravenous therapy. But the goal of iron therapy is to of course increase your iron levels but really to increase your hemoglobin. We need to see that the end result, a rise in your hemoglobin level, as that is what’s the most important.

Iron levels are not usually measured for patients in good health and not needing medical clearance prior to breast augmentation.  That being said, it would be ideal for your hemoglobin levels to range from 12-15.5g/dL, as this would be the normal range for women in good health.

hi,
usually if you are healthy, all you need is basic labs which is CBC, Chemistry, Coags.  Iron is not checked unless you are anemic.  hope this helps.

Your iron level should be
whatever is reported as normal for the laboratory doing the test.