Can I have lipo if my platelets are low?

Get evaluated by a hematologist or internist for the reason your platelets are low.  If this is below the normal range, but there are no abnormalities, I would coordinate giving you platelets prior to surgery to amp your system.  The chance of bleeding from liposuction technologies these days is very minimal, but I would never allow a patient with low platelets without a workup to have elective surgery that has potential complications.  Get it taken care of first, bottom line.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

     This would require more information to answer.  Being slightly above or below a platelet standardization range may not indicate anything other than statistical variance.   If there is a significant difference, you may need hematological evaluation.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

In short, yes -- you should not have liposuction if your platelets are abnormally low (ie below the lowest level for the normal range).  Obviously, you should first try to determine the cause of your low platelets.  Some people normally have a lower range of platelets -- and if there is no history of abnormal or excessive bruising or bleeding, then one could have liposuction.  On the other hand, if a hematologist determines that there is a cause for your low platelets, then that treatment should certainly take precedence over having liposuction.Understand, when lipo is performed, there is some small damage to blood vessels -- that is why people have some bruises after lipo.  There are no large incisions through which the surgeon can stop any bleeding.  The only way bleeding stops is with the use of a post-op pressure garment and the patient's own ability to clot, which starts with adequate numbers of platelets.Hope you understand.Elliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACSNEw York City

There is a difference between low within the normal range and low below the range.  If you are below the acceptable range, then I would recommend that you deal with your medical issues first, see a hematologist for treatment and delay liposuction until your platelets are within normal limits.

If the platelet count is below normal then you may not be a candidate for liposuction because of the risk of developing a hematoma.