The optimal hemoglobin level for any type of surgeries specially if it is done under general anesthesia is above 12 grams. If the hemoglobin level of any given prospective patient is around 12 grams we routinely ask our patients to take iron pills to elevate their hemoglobin as a preventive measure, not to compromise their healing and not to prolong the recovery time.
Yes, there is a increased risk of complications with to low of a Hemoglobin with an Abdominoplasty especially, a Lipo-Abdominoplasty. Many plastic surgeons utilize crtical pathways to check such matters. We start all our Abddominoplasty patients on Iron & Folic acid 3 to 4 weeks pre-operativily BEFORE the procedure. Normally, this will boast the patients HGB to an acceptable level before surgery and help decrease the risk of perioperative DVT/ PE. Hemoglobins of 10 to 12 or higher are normally considered acceptable for an Abdominoplasty. But, this can also depend upon how extensive a procedure you are requiring/ requesting. Conside discusing the matter with your surgeon. Best, Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
