Liver enzymes and mommy makeover - What if they're too high?

Question

I’m 5’5 and weigh 187 I recently had blood work done to make sure everything was ok before surgery and I look and see my ALT levels are 53 and cholesterol was 100 . I’m so sad . I know this either means I won’t get it or might be postponed. I’ve immediately stopped eating meats, dairy, added sugars, pasta bread and much more unhealthy things . Along with now going to the gym every day for 2 hours . I’m scared this won’t get better by may19 for my pre op blood work. Please give advice .

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fantastic617057,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. You should be healthy prior to elective procedures. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, no one can really advise you about planned surgery except your surgeon in conjunction with your primary care doctor.  Every lab is important in context of an overall health assessment.  In isolation, your lab values may or may not have significance to the safety of your procedure--please be communicating with your doctors, best of luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

While healthy eating and regular exercise is always encouraged, it's recommended you speak with your surgeon about your bloodwork.  She/He is the one that will determine if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery as planned.  I've included a video on nutrition tips that I hope you find helpful.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

Elevated liver enzymes can be a concern, and it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re considering a mommy makeover or any surgical procedure. High liver enzyme levels could indicate liver problems or other health issues that may affect your eligibility for surgery. Your doctor will assess your overall health and determine the best course of action based on your individual circumstances. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for addressing high liver enzyme levels before undergoing any surgical procedure. Your health and safety are a priority.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Neither of your erroneous labs would preclude you from having a mommy make over.  It is not uncommon for patients to have mild elevations or depressions in their lab values.  Physicians look for patterns:  ALT, SGT, ALk Phos etc. to all be high before causing concerns.
The elevation of a single or dual lab results is not concerning, unless they are one of the essential tests such as with anemia (Hb and HCT).

Liver enzymes and mommy makeover - What if they're too high?

Answers (6)