My Hemoglobin was 10.5. It’s always been a 12.5, however that was during my cycle. Can I get tummy tuck?

If the hemoglobin is less than 8 and you are symptomatic, it is reasonable to consider a blood transfusion. However, your PS, PCP, and hematologist are in a better position to evaluate this for you. Best to be seen by a hematologist who can recommend an appropriate regimen based upon the cause for the anemia. In general, 11-12 is adequate for surgery if attention to hemostasis is meticulous.

Dear Marylander,
Hemoglobin of 10.5 is not a contra indication to tummy tuck surgery, I would just recommend that you take Iron pills 325 mg once a day. However , the drop of 2 point is of a concern and you should consult with your internist and find out the reason for the noticeable drop. It could be a result of your menstruation, but you need to rule out other serious possible causes, including cancer. Once you were found healthy, you can proceed with your tummy tuck surgery and enjoy all the benefits of this procedure.
Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, nice belly button, narrower waists, improved body posture and low scar.
Best of luck,
Dr Widder

Dear tc30448,
you should be healthy and your lab should be within the normal limit prior to surgery. 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

Thank you for sharing your question. Best to always be medically optimized prior to surgery but these procedures do not incur a significant amount of blood loss so talk to your surgeon in detail about timing for surgery.

Hello, I particularly require my patients to have a minimum of 11.5 hemoglobin, and up to 12.5 I require to use cell saver. The patient always loses blood during any surgical procedure and it is important to keep that in mind.

Thank you for posting your interesting question. A hemoglobin greater than 10 should be sufficientfor a tummy tuck. I recommend that you have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced with abdominoplasty and liposuction. Best wishes, Richard Wellington Swift, M.D.,F.A.C.S.

This question is best answered by your surgeon. He/She is most familiar with your medical history and surgical plan. For elective plastic surgery it is always best to have your hemoglobin within normal limits.

Yes. You can definitely get a tummy tuck as long as you have been examined and found to be healthy enough for surgery. With Tummy Tuck surgery, there is very little blood loss.

If you’ve had consultations with plastic surgeons and scheduled surgery then you should bring up the topic to your plastic surgeon.

If you have not canceled did with plastic surgeons then you should do so to make sure you’re a candidate for these procedures. During your consultation your surgeon will review your medical history and which point you should bring up and discuss your hemoglobin level to see what that individual plastic surgeon has to say.

There is no yes or no answer to your question. It depends on each individual plastic surgeons perspective and opinion.

I personally would not have an issue doing surgery on you with a hemoglobin level of 10.5.

If this is related to iron deficiency then I would recommend iron supplements or doing what you can on your own to increase your hemoglobin level closer to ideal levels before surgery.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD