What is a hemoglobin level that you would accept for a mommy makeover procedure?

Sounds like the low hemoglobin level was discovered the week before a big scheduled surgery. The problem is that these procedure require a significant commitment of time off work or regular life and a recovery period, re-arranging schedules, etc. We try to avoid these postponements by asking questions well in advance, like "do you have a history of anemia?" and reviewing the health history. However, if a low hemoglobin, and 10 is low, is discovered before a bit elective surgery, I would not proceed as this unnecessarily increases your risk of complications from anesthesia and blood loss that occurs to some extent during surgery. So while it is unfortunate that this finding so close to surgery has resulted in cancellation or postponement, your doctor was looking out for your welfare by not proceeding with the surgery until your anemia is corrected and its cause determined.

Thank you for your questions. The most important thing is your safety. Your surgeon is trying to protect you and give you the best outcome while decreasing the risks of complications. The answer is not to hurry up and shop around for someone else who is going to ignore your safety and just do the procedure. The goal should be to optimize your health, work up the anemia, and proceed with the surgery only when everything has been optimized.Be safe!

The hemoglobin level is a measure of the red blood cells in your body. It is a blood volume measurement and a gauge of your chance to need a blood transfusion and overall ability to withstand surgery. You should increase your red blood cell count before surgery and you may need to see a specialist to correct this anemia. Performing surgery around 10 will likely increase your risks of landing in the hospital for a blood transfusion or worse....Best wishes, Dr. ALDO 

As others have suggested, you may want to have the test repeated to ensure the reading was correct.  If it is, you need to try to discover the reason for the low reading.  Rest assured the surgeon is looking out for your safety and best interest.  You do not want to proceed with a surgeon who will willingly overlook a low level such as yours.  I'm sure it's frustrating but please know your safety is the priority.

I have some practical suggestions.  Firstly recheck your hemoglobin as it is not unusual to have spurious results.  Secondly contact your primary care physician and see what your history has been. Is there a source of your anemia--heavy periods? Iron deficiency? these are common.  If you are chronically low and have no symptoms (fatigue, rapid pulse rate, for example)although low  it may be your normal level.  Your primary care will have a better understanding of the situation and guide you accordingly.

I am not sure I understand your logic.  Your plastic surgeon has advised you based on important principles: keeping safety and avoidance of complications as priorities. You should work on making a diagnosis of the anemia and measures to improve your blood count, prior to proceeding with the procedures. "Looking for a new plastic surgeon" is not a logical response, in my opinion. You will likely be able to find a plastic surgeon with less experience and/or less ethics. Will this be in your best interests?Some general thoughts: hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body.  A hemoglobin level that is too low (anemia can be associated with many potential problems, some very serious (including potential for stroke, myocardial infarction…).  How much blood loss is associated with tummy tuck and liposuction surgery depends on exactly how the procedure is performed and how much liposuctioning is done.  As you can imagine, much will depend on the specific surgeon and the specific patient involved.
 For example, at least in my practice, a starting hemoglobin of 10  would not be a problem if tummy tuck surgery alone is planned;  anticipated blood loss with this operation would probably be under 100 cc.  On the other hand, if significant liposuctioning is planned,  a starting hemoglobin of 10 would likely be too low.  The blood loss with this procedure would likely be about 300 cc.
 My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully.  Make sure that he/she is a board certified plastic surgeon who can demonstrate lots of experience safely achieved in the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. Other "safety considerations" including anesthesia provider and fully accredited surgery facility should also be priorities.
 
 Best wishes. 

Hello,Thank you for sharing the information, it is a pleasure for me to answer your question..We have as protocol that is at least 12g / dl, not less than there, preferably higher, in the liposuction usually lose several grams, depending on the amount to aspire. Another recommendation we have is the use of iron and folic acid at least one month before surgery to improve hemoglobin levels.
It is advisable to consult with a certified plastic surgeon, for a goodevaluation, to provide you with all the information you need to know about the appropriate recommendations, so that you can achieve the desired goals in your body.
I hope this answer will help youMy best wishes for you...

I would agree with my colleagues, Drs. Pousti and Guerra, I believe your surgeon has given you good advice and seeking another surgeon, at the last minute, would be a mistake.  A mommy makeover is a significant surgery and one should have a relatively normal hemaglobin/hematocrit level before proceeding with this elective surgery.  Do not compromise your health simply for expediency.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.