Low potassium before surgery. I am scheduled for my breast augmentation in about 2 weeks. Advice?

Question

My lab from 3/8 showed potassium levels of 3.4. Would you have any concerns with anesthesia?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Low potassium can be effectively treated with changes to your diet but you should have this rechecked on the morning of surgery to ensure your safety.  I would inform your internist to work with them to see if there is an underlying issue or medication use causing the low levels.  Hope this helps.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

You need to address this with your surgeon. The result may or may not be accurate and its relevance is hard to evaluate alone without knowing your overall health history.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Kaj,   Before getting excited about your lab result, I would recommend that you repeat your blood test, because lab errors are very common. I recently had a patient whose Potassium  level was 5.6 and the internist recommended to postpone surgery. Well, the lab test was repeated and the Potassium level came back as 4.1...      The patient was operated on and went through surgery in flying colors,  without any problems at all !    If the repeat lab result is still abnormal, it will be prudent to have it investigated by your internist and obtain clearance for surgery. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure !                       Best of luck,                                        Dr Widder

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

kaj6111.  Your potassium is just modestly low.  Easy enough to raise it with diet and supplements. Check with your PMD for help. Good luck

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Slightly low potassium is not uncommon and usually will not impair your surgery or recovery. Often slight dietary changes, such as eating potassium rich foods- bananas, etc, can normalize those values in a day or two.
That being said, it is best to address any lab abnormalities with your internist or primary care physician prior to surgery and inform your plastic surgeon to assure your safety.

Low potassium before surgery. I am scheduled for my breast augmentation in about 2 weeks. Advice?

Answers (9)

Answer: Medical Clearance Before Breast Augmentation

Answer: Medical Clearance Before Breast Augmentation

Answer: Lab Abnormality Prior to Surgery

Answer: Lab Abnormality Prior to Surgery

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Low potassium before surgery. I am scheduled for my breast augmentation in about 2 weeks. Advice?

Answers (9)

Answer: Medical Clearance Before Breast Augmentation

Answer: Medical Clearance Before Breast Augmentation

Answer: Lab Abnormality Prior to Surgery

Answer: Lab Abnormality Prior to Surgery

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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