Will my ALT levels make or break my breast augmentation surgery?

Question

I have a BA scheduled in two weeks and my surgeon requested that I be tested two times for my ALT levels due to the first test coming back high. The first time they came at 43 and the next they lowered to 41. Everything else came back just fine and perfectly normal including the other blood work, xrays, and urine analysis. My AST levels are not high, just my ALT. Will this cause my surgeon to not proceed?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Thank you for your question!
Every Plastic Surgeon has their own policies prior to surgery and requirements that need to be met such as lab work, clearance or medical summary from your family doctor. 
You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
Regards,

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. A mildly elevated ALT in the absence of an active liver disease should not prevent you from getting breast augmentation. Having said that, you should let your surgeon know about this. He/She may want to do more tests or get a clearance from your primary care physician. I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon
for a full evaluation and advice. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.                                             
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, if a person is in otherwise excellent health and there is only one liver enzyme that is slightly higher than normal, this is not necessarily a contraindication for surgery.  However, your surgeon and possibly other doctors like your family physician and/or an internal medicine specialist would need to decide if this is simply an outlier test result, or indicative of a medical issue that must be treated prior to surgery.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.I would discuss this with your surgeon and see how they want to proceed, every doctor is different.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Comparing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with AST levels gives your doctor more information about the health of your liver. You need to clarify this with your board certified plastic surgeon as this will depend upon degree of elevation and potential causes. The health of your liver will need to be assessed before surgery is considered. Non-surgical solutions such as diets, exercise and changing lifestyle are recommended as first priority before considering other options for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).  If you are otherwise healthy with a BMI close to 30, a slightly elevated cholesterol may not present much of an issue in regard to moving forward.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  I would not anticipate the slightly elevated level to prevent you from surgery, but this is a decision that needs to be made between you and your surgeon.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for a test like liver enzymes to come back slightly elevated. It will be up to your surgeon as to whether the surgery can proceed, or whether you need it looked into further.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is sole discretion of your surgeon to decide what are safe parameters to proceed with surgery. In general, ALT level up to 40 is considered normal by many standards. I would not have problem doing your surgery with ATL of 41. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ShinyShay,
you should be healthy prior to elective surgery.  Every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol, which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The tests are an indicator of liver function.  Your surgeon and anesthesia team will have to determine if the test results postponing your surgery, as opinions vary.  If the result is only slightly elevated and you have no other concerning history or test results you will likely be able to proceed with surgery.

Will my ALT levels make or break my breast augmentation surgery?

Answers (14)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

What would be suggested lift and size? 36C to DD high profile

I like breasts that are fuller at the bottom and has a slope at the top. mine is rounded. How can I come closer to this shape?

Can I have a breast augmentation with ringworm?

I would like an increase in breast volume without a lift to maintain swinginess, what would you suggest? (Photos)

URGENT: Small Breast lift with HP or Moderate round implant 165cc or 220cc for a just fuller look? (Photo)

Can I get an arm lift and breast augmentation with a BMI of 39?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS