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.

Jeffrey H. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question!  3.4 is low but not so low that anesthesia would be difficult or risky.  That being said, if you eat a banana or some multivitamins for a few days, your potassium will be normal without the need to recheck it.  Best of luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Best to work with your primary care or internist to determine the cause of the relatively low potassium;  work on elevating it between now and the date of surgery.  It may be prudent to check the level again prior to proceeding. Let your plastic surgeon know also. Best wishes.

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

Given that 3.5 is considered a normal level for potassium, I wouldn't be too concerned.  If you have breast augmentation scheduled in 2 weeks, an effective, easy, and natural way to raise your potassium before surgery would be to incorporate bananas in your diet (1 a day will be just fine).  Hope this helps!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Discuss your medical history with your surgeon and anesthesia department.  They may want medical clearance from your primary care physician.

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

Answers (9)

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