I'm scheduled to have a extended tummy tuck on 6/29 with Dr. Robert Hunsaker. My preop labs since March 2017 have been coming back with low hemoglobin. As of 3/25/17 it was 9.2, on 6/7/17 it was 9.5 and has of 6/21/17 it's 9.4. I'm currently on iron, folic acid and b-12. My surgeon stated he is okay with moving forward with my plan surgery. I just would like some second opinions.
Answer: Low hemoglobin and tummy tuck Dear sweetlife, I had similar case this week and I canceled surgery. I referred the patient to an internist , to find out the reason for the anemia and bring the hemoglobin level to, at least, above 10 . Cosmetic surgery is purely elective surgery and risk should be reduced to a minimum. Hemoglobin of 9.4 is not healthy level and most likely, it will be even lower after the tummy tuck surgery. It is wiser and safer for you to wait 4-6 week , so the investigation of your anemia will be complete and your hemoglobin level will be more compatible with healthy outcome. Most likely you are a mother and your safe outcome is important for the care of your children as well . Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Best of luck, Dr Widder
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Answer: Low hemoglobin and tummy tuck Dear sweetlife, I had similar case this week and I canceled surgery. I referred the patient to an internist , to find out the reason for the anemia and bring the hemoglobin level to, at least, above 10 . Cosmetic surgery is purely elective surgery and risk should be reduced to a minimum. Hemoglobin of 9.4 is not healthy level and most likely, it will be even lower after the tummy tuck surgery. It is wiser and safer for you to wait 4-6 week , so the investigation of your anemia will be complete and your hemoglobin level will be more compatible with healthy outcome. Most likely you are a mother and your safe outcome is important for the care of your children as well . Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Best of luck, Dr Widder
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June 23, 2017
Answer: Low Hemoglobin of 9.4 okay for tummy tuck? I am sorry to hear about your concerns a few days before tummy tuck surgery. Ultimately, your plastic surgeon will make the decision whether or not it is safe to proceed; much will depend on exactly what is planned during the procedure and what the anticipated blood loss is. For example, if a significant amount of liposuction surgery is planned, you may be best off postponing surgery.
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June 23, 2017
Answer: Low Hemoglobin of 9.4 okay for tummy tuck? I am sorry to hear about your concerns a few days before tummy tuck surgery. Ultimately, your plastic surgeon will make the decision whether or not it is safe to proceed; much will depend on exactly what is planned during the procedure and what the anticipated blood loss is. For example, if a significant amount of liposuction surgery is planned, you may be best off postponing surgery.
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June 24, 2017
Answer: Low hemoglobin I would consider 9.4 to be below the minimum for an abdominoplasty. It is a longer operation and blood loss would be involved. A hematologist should be involved in the medical clearance process and, ultimately, I accept their superior knowledge of anemia and safety concerns, as does my anesthesia team.
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June 24, 2017
Answer: Low hemoglobin I would consider 9.4 to be below the minimum for an abdominoplasty. It is a longer operation and blood loss would be involved. A hematologist should be involved in the medical clearance process and, ultimately, I accept their superior knowledge of anemia and safety concerns, as does my anesthesia team.
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June 24, 2017
Answer: Hemoglobin level There is no absolute answer to this question. I prefer to see a hemoglobin level of 10 for any procedure where there could be anything more than a minimal blood loss. Starting with a low hemoglobin increases the chance that you may require a transfusion if there is significant blood loss. Be aware that while transfusions are generally safe, they do have risks.
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June 24, 2017
Answer: Hemoglobin level There is no absolute answer to this question. I prefer to see a hemoglobin level of 10 for any procedure where there could be anything more than a minimal blood loss. Starting with a low hemoglobin increases the chance that you may require a transfusion if there is significant blood loss. Be aware that while transfusions are generally safe, they do have risks.
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June 24, 2017
Answer: Low Hb My limit is 10. If you are being done in a hospital and would accept transfusions then go for it. Otherwise I would speak to the correct doctor to get your levels higher. Usually with a tummy tuck there is more blood loss than you think and although it is uncommon to need blood. Sometimes it happens.
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June 24, 2017
Answer: Low Hb My limit is 10. If you are being done in a hospital and would accept transfusions then go for it. Otherwise I would speak to the correct doctor to get your levels higher. Usually with a tummy tuck there is more blood loss than you think and although it is uncommon to need blood. Sometimes it happens.
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