I thalasemia trait and im having a tummy tuck in 02/20/18 my hemoglobin is at 11.3 is this safe?

Question

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and an excellent question. Patients with chronic anemia in the 11 hemoglobin range usually can tolerate a lower hemoglobin, but it leaves a lot less room for blood loss during or after surgery.  Please make sure your surgeon is aware and all attempts to optimize your hemoglobin are considered, good luck.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

I myself have thalassemia trait.  Yes it means that I have been slightly anemic for my entire life. People with thalassemia trait can get cosmetic plastic surgery safely including a tummy tuck as long as their hemoglobin is at a good level and they get medical clearance. 
I usually ask patients and physicians for medical clearance on all of my cosmetic surgery patients because safety is very important to me. I would recommend that you get your primary care doctor involved and even a hematologist if you have one.
I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of tummy tucks but also offers all the nonsurgical options such as Kybella injectables and laser treatments. Go over your concerns with them and make sure above all, you walk out of there with several options and an idea of the pros and cons to each of them as well as realistic expectations. 
I hope this answer helps you. If my answer helps, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.  Thank you!!

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon likely would not proceed with your operation if (s)he did not think that it is safe to proceed. Thalassemia trait may not manifest in any significant increase in bleeding risk, or could mildly elevate your risk, but most operations can still be performed safely. Good attention to hemostasis is key in all operations, and even with attentiveness, bleeding and hematoma can occur on occasion. If your preoperative hemoglobin is over 11, most surgeons would be comfortable proceeding. Obviously this needs to be considered in the context of your overall general health and any specifics to your case need to be reviewed with your surgeon and hematologist/PCP as appropriate.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

So long as you are otherwise healthy and you don't have a history of excessive bleeding there is no reason to not proceed. I have done a number of patients with this over the last 27years without incident. Typically, the blood loss in abdominoplasty is quite small anyway.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

We always require a medical clearance from a primary care doctor before surgery.   It would also be appropriate in your case to have clearance from a hematologist prior to proceeding.  if you are a thalassemia trait carrier it should not be a problem but it depends on how much tissue is being removed and other factors.   All of these concerns should be addressed before surgery!

I thalasemia trait and im having a tummy tuck in 02/20/18 my hemoglobin is at 11.3 is this safe?

Answers (5)

Answer: Thalassemia

Answer: Thalassemia

Answer: Thalassemia trait and tummy tuck

Answer: Thalassemia trait and tummy tuck

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I thalasemia trait and im having a tummy tuck in 02/20/18 my hemoglobin is at 11.3 is this safe?

Answers (5)

Answer: Thalassemia

Answer: Thalassemia

Answer: Thalassemia trait and tummy tuck

Answer: Thalassemia trait and tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.