I have chronic atrophic gastritis, iron deficiency and pernicious anemia. Am I able to get a tummy tuck?

Question

Wondering whether I am able to get a tummy tuck. I have chronic atrophic gastritis, iron deficiency and pernicious anemia. I take vitamin B12 and iron. Am I safe? Will the plastic surgeon clear me to get it done? I also would like to get lipo 360 and a mastopexy with the tummy tuck. the following year, I would like to get lipo on the back and arms and an augumentation. I understand its a lot of surgery but I lost a lot of weight and would like to treat myself.

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

You may still be able to have body contouring surgery, but chronic atrophic gastritis, iron deficiency, and pernicious anemia make medical optimization very important before any elective procedure.
A tummy tuck, liposuction 360, and mastopexy together can be a long operation with blood loss, fluid shifts, wound-healing demands, and blood clot risk. If your hemoglobin, iron stores, B12 levels, nutrition, or protein status are not well corrected, your risk of fatigue, poor healing, infection, wound separation, and needing transfusion may be higher.
Your plastic surgeon would likely want clearance from your primary doctor, gastroenterologist, or hematologist. Important labs may include CBC, hemoglobin, ferritin/iron studies, B12, folate, albumin/prealbumin, electrolytes, and any other tests based on your history.
I would be cautious about combining too much at once. After major weight loss and anemia history, staging surgery is often safer. For example, tummy tuck first, then breast surgery later, or a more limited combination depending on your labs, BMI, operative time, and surgeon’s safety protocol.
My advice would be to get medically optimized first and choose a conservative surgical plan. If your anemia is corrected, nutrition is strong, weight is stable, and your doctors clear you, surgery may be possible. But if your levels are low or unstable, it is better to delay and treat the anemia before taking on a large elective operation.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You need to consult with you medical doctor and be medically cleared for an operation.  The blood loss is usually less than 1 unit.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

As you know, a normally acidified stomach is required to properly absorb iron, be it from supplements or diet. Iron deficiency can be a big problem in my weight loss patients so I personally review their iron lab tests to be sure there are no deficiencies.

Be sure your plastic surgeon is aware of this and refers you for treatment accordingly, which may include an iron infusion.

Be sure your plastic surgeon is aware of this and refers you for treatment accordingly, which may include an iron infusion.

I have chronic atrophic gastritis, iron deficiency and pernicious anemia. Am I able to get a tummy tuck?

Answers (3)

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