I have the sickle cell disease. Should I forget about wanting cosmetic surgery specifically a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Question

I spoke to my doctor and she told me because I have sickle cell that I am a higher risk than a person without sickle cell. I understand that however I am very healthy I have not had a crisis since I was a small child and I have a very good hemoglobin level. So because I have this disorder do I really have to give up on wanting the body that I want or is it still possible?

Nicholas Jones, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients with sickle cell disease are at higher risks due to the underlying red blood cell abnormality. Your RBCs have a decreased oxygen carrying capacity and this can be problematic in the immediate post operative period as well as long term. In addition, because of the sickling of the cells, they can get trapped and lead to tissue ischemia.

Most surgeons would not recommend elective surgery in patients with sickle cell because of the underlying risks, which can also include death.

Most surgeons would not recommend elective surgery in patients with sickle cell because of the underlying risks, which can also include death.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Most surgeons would agree that if you have sickle cell disease (not just the trait), than you are a poor candidate for elective cosmetic surgery. Even if your hemoglobin level is good, the stress of surgery may cause a Sickle Cell Crisis which is painful and can be dangerous. If you only have Sickle Cell Trait, then surgery should be fine.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.I wouldn't recommend for a sickle disease patient to have any cosmetic surgery, a crisis might break out because of the body going through stress. I believe that your health should be more important.

I have the sickle cell disease. Should I forget about wanting cosmetic surgery specifically a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Answers (3)