If my hemoglobin 11.6 is it safe to have a BBL or will I need the cell saver?

Dear SheliaMarie22,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

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well. based in your question is recommended talk with you plastic surgeon before and discuss all about theme.

Your surgeon or hematologist should be able to recommend an appropriate regimen based upon the cause for the anemia.  Taking iron pills and Vitamin C along with eating dark leafy veggies, liver, lentils, almonds, dried apricots, beets, and other high iron foods will also help to elevate the level. In general, 12 is adequate for surgery if attention to hemostasis is meticulous.  This is dependent upon a host of factors including the amount of surgery performed, the cause of the anemia if present, and the treatment necessary to improve that anemia.  In an otherwise healthy person without anemia or other consuming disease, there is usually nothing that needs to be done.  The HgB does not have to be artificially elevated for surgery.  BBL can be performed for most individuals with a hemoglobin above 10 or 11.  

I usually require a hemoglobin of 12 to undergo a BBL since so much liposuction and therefore blood loss occurs with this case. The goal is to avoid having to give a blood transfusion. Taking iron pills for a few weeks to one month should get you up to 12. 

Thank you for your question.  It's not recommended to perform a Liposuction and BBL when you have 11.6 g/dL of hemoglobin.  This is an elective surgery and you should be able have it under the best health conditions.  Try to take iron pills and folic acid and try to eat healthy foods.

I don’t know your entire medical history, but your current hemoglobin level should be fine. Your PS may wish to contact your primary care doctor to gain further insight into your history or request a medical clearance pre-operatively. Also, I’ve never used or heard of any one using a cell saver for BBL surgery. That device is not needed nor indicated for liposuction and fat grafting procedures. Hope this helps you. Best of luck.