Just got my labs back and my hemoglobin is at 11.2. Is that low?

Yes, a hemoglobin level of 11.2 is low.  Whether or not you can have surgery with a hemoglobin of 11.2 will depend upon the procedure you are wanting to have.  In addition, it will depend upon the surgeon you chose.  You may be asked to have it evaluated first or to take iron supplements. It is a good idea to have your anemia evaluated by an internal medicine specialist. Make sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. 

Make sure that your plastic surgeon knows the results of your lab tests.  Most plastic surgeons will want to see a hemoglobin of 12. The HgB does not have to be artificially elevated for surgery.  BBL can be performed for most individuals with a hemoglobin above 10 or 11.
Your surgeon or your PCP should be able to recommend an appropriate regimen based upon the cause of your anemia.  Typically iron supplements, and Vitamin C are recommended as well as a diet rich in dark leafy veggies, liver, lentils, almonds, dried apricots, beets, and other high iron content foods
Have your labs repeated a few days before your scheduled surgery.  If they remain low, ask your plastic surgeon if he recommends that you postpone your BBL until they reach a satisfactory level.  
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Hello dear!!Thanks for the question and provided information.It will depend on the procedures you want, but usually the levels required are above 12.0. Make sure you look for a board certified plastic surgeon to performance the surgery.Good luck :)

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Yes, a hemoglobin level of 11.2 is low, but not prohibitively low for surgery. You should check with your surgeon. I would recommend that you start iron supplementation before your procedure. Of course, you will need an in-person consultation to
evaluate you for this procedure. Preoperative visualization and surgical
simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. I suggest that
you find a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be
sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with
your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of patients who have had
similar procedures. Good luck!
Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
Texas “Top Doc”