What are the risk factors for an anemic breast augmentation patient?

Thank you for your question.  This is something that actually does come up from time to time. The main risk of surgery in someone who is anemic is blood loss.  You are starting out with fewer red blood cells than most by quite a large margin.  If you were to undergo an major surgical procedure associated with significant blood loss you very well may require a blood transfusion.  A stand alone breast augmentation is generally not a procedure associated with high blood loss and if things go well this procedure can be performed with less than an ounce of blood loss.  But that is if things go well.  Some patients bleed more than others.  While there is a very high likelihood you would do just fine, this is a completely elective procedure and certainly not medically necessary.  As such, I would like to see your blood levels a bit higher before proceeding.Best of luck to you!G. Robert Meger MD

Hi Dahlia Noir Mya, Pre-existing health conditions like anemia should be corrected first before undergoing surgery. Once corrected, you can visit a board certified plastic surgeon for proper assessment and advice. Make sure your surgeon knows any health conditions you may have in the past or that you currently have. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

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 and provided information as well.. based in your question its recommended  to recognize the cause of your anemia , get a treatment to put in condition to get surgery and after go a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss all about theme.

Breast augmentation is a procedure that involves very little blood loss, so your haemoglobin on the way out will be much the same as it was on the way in. So the surgery isn't really the issue. More of a potential concern, well in advance of surgery, is the reason for your unexplained anaemia. It may simply be iron-deficiency anaemia as your question seems to suggest, but your surgeon is likely to want this to be fully investigated before going ahead to make sure that nothing else is amiss. 

Good luck!

I would make sure that the reasons for your anaemia have been suitably investigated and treated before considering a breast augmentation. 

There is rarely much blood loss with a BA, but anemia should be assessed before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Once your Hgb level is normal and stable then you can schedule an appointment with your board certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination.

It is important to have your Hgb levels return to normal and stabilize before undergoing surgery.  Though the risk is small, you could be in danger if you had major blood loss.  Breast augmentation does not typically involve much blood loss, but it's not worth the risk to proceed until this issue is resolved.  Your GP will assist you in getting what you need in terms of diet suggestions and supplements.

Hello, thank you for asking about your anemia and breast enlargement, first we have to recognize the cause of your anemia to correct it to values closer to normal, so you can have an elective surgery such as breast augmentation, I hope you recover , regards.

You don't give your age but the most important thing is following up with your primary care doctor to determine the cause of the anemia and treat it appropriately.  This MUST take place before you have any elective surgery.  It may just be your diet but there are many other possible factors as well and they must be investigated, ruled out, and corrected before surgery.  This will likely take a few months.  If you already know you aren't consuming enough iron in your diet then change your diet!  Best wishes.

Good medical practice would dictate that you follow-up with your primary care physician or internist for evaluation treatment recommendations PRIOR to proceeding with elective breast surgery.   In other words, it will be important to determine the cause of the anemia and recommend treatment based on diagnosis.   Best wishes for a safe procedure and an outcome that you will be pleased with (when the time is right).