Hi All, Had my blood work done and it appears I have a low hemoglobin count. I was intending on getting some facial work done (a facelift, necklift, chin implant, buccal fat removal) and because I am 38, blood work is not always required prior to surgery. (I had it done for potentially starting a new medication) I'm wondering how serious this is, and if I should delay my plans for plastic surgery until this is remedied. If so, I'd be so bummed. Pics included for specific numbers
Answer: Yes, serious. First, let me say that generally the facelift is safe. Usually blood loss is limited. However it is elective surgery. You have a seriously low hematocrit. This limits the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood. If you have any sort of unanticipated serious bleeding which is always a possibility though rare, that is foreseeably likely to require a blood transfusion. In my opinion, it is not appropriate to perform elective under the circumstance. If a surgeon does not get a medical clearance for this type of surgery, they are a bozo. Do not have surgery with a bozo. This is elective surgery. Yes you first need to have your severe anemia worked up and fixed before having elective surgery. This is precisely why we send patients for medical clearance. Your internist may send you to be assessed by a hematologist for this assessment. Please get the care you need.
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Answer: Yes, serious. First, let me say that generally the facelift is safe. Usually blood loss is limited. However it is elective surgery. You have a seriously low hematocrit. This limits the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood. If you have any sort of unanticipated serious bleeding which is always a possibility though rare, that is foreseeably likely to require a blood transfusion. In my opinion, it is not appropriate to perform elective under the circumstance. If a surgeon does not get a medical clearance for this type of surgery, they are a bozo. Do not have surgery with a bozo. This is elective surgery. Yes you first need to have your severe anemia worked up and fixed before having elective surgery. This is precisely why we send patients for medical clearance. Your internist may send you to be assessed by a hematologist for this assessment. Please get the care you need.
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Answer: Anemia Hi and thanks for your question! Even though facelifts/ chin implants/ buccal fat removal procedures usually have minimal blood loss, the low hemoglobin of 8.8 is concerning. I would recommend reaching out to your doctors since a hemoglobin level that low is concerning for an underlying medical condition causing you to have such low levels. I would not proceed with any cosmetic surgery until the hemoglobin can be brought up and the underlying cause of the anemia is addressed. Best of luck!
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Answer: Anemia Hi and thanks for your question! Even though facelifts/ chin implants/ buccal fat removal procedures usually have minimal blood loss, the low hemoglobin of 8.8 is concerning. I would recommend reaching out to your doctors since a hemoglobin level that low is concerning for an underlying medical condition causing you to have such low levels. I would not proceed with any cosmetic surgery until the hemoglobin can be brought up and the underlying cause of the anemia is addressed. Best of luck!
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May 5, 2022
Answer: Hemoglobin Thanks for your question. An 8.8 is not a normal level and you should seek to remedy this prior to any major surgery. Otherwise, you are at risk for needing a blood transfusion. Best of luck.
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May 5, 2022
Answer: Hemoglobin Thanks for your question. An 8.8 is not a normal level and you should seek to remedy this prior to any major surgery. Otherwise, you are at risk for needing a blood transfusion. Best of luck.
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March 24, 2022
Answer: Low Hemoglobin Your Hemoglobin is slightly low but not alarmingly so. I do recommend that you see your Internist to investigate potential causes before surgery, and take care to maintain a healthy diet.
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March 24, 2022
Answer: Low Hemoglobin Your Hemoglobin is slightly low but not alarmingly so. I do recommend that you see your Internist to investigate potential causes before surgery, and take care to maintain a healthy diet.
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March 16, 2022
Answer: Anemia and elective surgery I recommend delaying surgery until the cause of your anemia is identified and treated and your blood levels have returned to normal range. The reason for your anemia may be more important than the anemia itself. Work with your PCP to reach an accurate diagnosis. This may require subspecialty referrals and may take several months to complete.
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March 16, 2022
Answer: Anemia and elective surgery I recommend delaying surgery until the cause of your anemia is identified and treated and your blood levels have returned to normal range. The reason for your anemia may be more important than the anemia itself. Work with your PCP to reach an accurate diagnosis. This may require subspecialty referrals and may take several months to complete.
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March 15, 2022
Answer: Low hemoglobin for surgery Hello @Nala Eyes Thank you for your question. You need clearance from a hematologist before surgery and discuss this issue with your Plastic Surgeon because low hemoglobin is a risk and it depends on every specialist the requirements for every surgery. I would not operate with low hemoglobin levels, for my patients I would prescribe iron supplements and take the test again in 1 month. Best wishes!
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March 15, 2022
Answer: Low hemoglobin for surgery Hello @Nala Eyes Thank you for your question. You need clearance from a hematologist before surgery and discuss this issue with your Plastic Surgeon because low hemoglobin is a risk and it depends on every specialist the requirements for every surgery. I would not operate with low hemoglobin levels, for my patients I would prescribe iron supplements and take the test again in 1 month. Best wishes!
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