Tummy Tuck with Low Blood Count?

I agree that you should definitely follow-up with your PCP or internist for evaluation in desired procedures and with the cause of any anemia out in the open they will be able to recommend treatment based on diagnosis. So, it is possible to have surgery with blood levels that are lower than "normal". You will then need to make sure your surgeon takes your anemia into consideration when evaluating you for surgery. It will be a few extra steps, but it is definitely doable!

It sounds like your surgeon has done the right thing. You blood count is a bit low, and it would help with iron supplements to raise it before surgery.
You should have your blood checked again before surgery. As long as you are a young and healthy person and have no underlying risk factors, getting your blood count up slightly would help before your surgery.
Good luck.

Hi there-
As my colleagues have pointed out, all surgery will carry risks...
Your surgery should be safe, provided that your anemia responds to your current iron supplementation.
I'm not sure exactly what happened to your friend, but death after liposuction should be exceedingly rare when performed by a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Surgery cannot be performed without risk. You must be willing to accept some degree of risk. Your surgeon chose to delay your surgery until your anemia is corrected because he/she felt it was in your best interests and a sign that he/she cares about your overall well being.

Hello - It sounds as though you may have an underlying cause of your anemia.  Therefore, it's very important for you to be checked out and cleared by your internist and/or a hematologist.  It may take some time to get you 100% ready for surgery, so please be patient. 

Good medical practice would dictate that you follow-up with your primary care physician or internist for  evaluation; he/she will be able to determine the cause of any anemia ( if present) and recommend treatment based on diagnosis. Online consultants will not be your best resource when it comes to prescribing specific medication/dosages. Best wishes with your upcoming surgical procedures as well.

You have brought up very important issues.
First of all, elective surgery is ELECTIVE....there is no rush to perform the surgery. So why take any chances? You are significantly anemic and performing a tummy tuck surgery is risky with such a low hemoglobin. If you should have post-operative bleeding, which is unusual, your body does not have any reserve and you can end up requiring blood transfusion.
Most patients are anemic because of iron deficiency, so taking iron supplements makes sense. However, if your anemia persists, you should see a hematologist to have a complete anemia work-up.
I am sorry to hear about your friend passing away. The important question which comes up is was the surgeon qualified to perform this surgery? I have heard many horrific stories about non-qualified persons (not even doctors) performing "black market" surgery in Florida. I hope the surgeon you have chosen is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has no disciplinary actions against him/her by the Medical Board of Florida.
Best of Luck.

Generally, we perfer the hemoglobin level to be above 10.0. When presented with this issue, we look at the patient as a whole- medical history, lifestyle, etc. We usually recommend determining the cause of your anemia and treating it properly. Once this is corrected surgery can be performed. With abdominoplasty, blood loss, although minimal, can be significant, depending upon the patient and the techniques used. It is always better to be safe.

ANEMIA - the insufficient quantity of functioning red cells that carry oxygen in the blood can be caused by 3 major groups of causes1. Your are not making enough (for some reason (not enough Iron, Vit. B12, bone marrow disease) you are not producing enough red cells forcing the heart to beat faster to move the existing volume of red cells quicker).2. You are losing more than you are making (either internal or external bleeding or increased breakdown by a large spleen).
While anemia in menstruating women is commonly related to heavy periods and poor iron supplementation, anemia in men or post menstrual women needs to be carefully worked up to determine the cause and treatment.
While surgical emergencies go to the OR regardless of anemia (severe trauma etc) and blood is rapidly infused on the way and through the case, there is NO reason to take any risks with elective and cosmetic surgery (the two are not the same).
If the anemia does not resolve in a few weeks, you should be evaluated by a Hematologist.

Your surgeon has erred on the side of safety which is completely appropriate.  You should see your primary care physician, if you haven't already, to have the source of your anemia evaluated.  Once this is determined and your blood counts are normal, you should be ready for surgery.  Good luck, /nsn.