Sickle cell disease - am I able to get cosmetic surgery?

Hello, in sickle cell anemia, surgical stress and especially hypovolemia and vascular damage after liposuction can trigger sickle cell crisis. This situation increases the risk of patchy skin necrosis in surgical areas and sometimes causes delayed wound healing. I think I have to speak hypothetically since I have not examined your situation: If your abdominal deformity is small, I will not recommend you to have surgery. However, if your deformity is large, your sagging abdominal skin and abdominal muscle defect cause you difficulty in daily life, then you can consider surgery. Before the operation, you can consult your own hematologist and get preoperative recommendations and have surgical treatment under the necessary drug therapy. Performing minimal liposuction as much as possible will keep the risks to a minimum.

Yes, cosmetic surgery may be possible for you even with sickle cell disease but it requires extra planning and precautions due to the unique risks involved.
Let’s break it down
Your Strengths
• You're overall in good health
• You’re under regular hematologist care
• You’ve had few crises and they’re well-managed
• Your hemoglobin (10–11) is relatively stable for someone with sickle cell
• Your iron levels are good, which helps with healing
• You were already cleared for bariatric surgery, which is more invasive than a tummy tuck or lipo in many cases. That’s a very good sign
What Makes Cosmetic Surgery Riskier with Sickle Cell?
Surgery, especially longer or more invasive procedures like a tummy tuck or lipo 360, increases your risk of a sickle cell crisis because of:
• Dehydration
• Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
• Cold operating room temps
• Stress from anesthesia and healing
These factors can trigger vaso-occlusive episodes (pain crises) or other complications.
Many plastic surgeons will operate on patients with sickle cell only if these steps are taken
1. Full surgical clearance by your hematologist
• You’ve already got this for bariatric surgery—so ask if they'd also provide a written clearance specifically for cosmetic surgery.
2. Pre-op optimization
• IV hydration
• Oxygen monitoring
• Warm blankets during and after surgery
• Sometimes pre-op blood transfusions to reduce sickled cells
3. Choosing the right surgeon & setting
• Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced with high-risk patients
• They should perform your procedure in a hospital or accredited surgery center, not an office-based setting
What You Can Do Now
1. Talk to your hematologist again and ask specifically about cosmetic surgery.
2. Start consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who are familiar with medical conditions like yours.
3. Be open to doing your transformation in phases, if needed.
You’re doing everything right: researching, staying on top of your health, and asking the right questions. With the right team and planning, your goal may very well be achievable. And even if it takes a little longer or requires a modified plan, your safety is what makes those results truly worth it.