Breast Augmentation: Q&A

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Should I Get a Physical Before Looking for a Surgeon?

i am 23yrs old, 5'5" and 120lbs and have been thinking about having breast implants. i was just wondering if it would be advised to get a physical before since i have not been checked out by a doctor in a while.. i'm pretty nervous about having surgery and want to take any steps necessary

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24 Doctor Answers | Asked by Los Angeles2599 in Los Angeles, CA

Doctor Answers (24)
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Physical exam before a plastic surgery consultation

This is actually an excellent question. It is better to have a complete physical before going for a consultation if the patient is eager to have surgery. That way any medical issues can be addressed before the surgery consultation and surgery can be scheduled without delays. It also gives the doctor a good idea of how much surgery a patient can safely undergo (especially if a stress test, cardiogram and physical have already been done. Of course all patients eventually have... more

Medical Check Up Before Surgical Consultation

There is not really any downside to seeing a physician, (internist or family practitioner), before seeing a plastic surgeon. This is especially true if you want to move quickly to surgery. Most of these doctors know what the surgeon will be looking for to see if you are an appropriate candidate medically. At your age, the medical work up should be straightforward. Any irregularities can then be addressed. The plastic surgeon will still ask pertinent questions and... more

Pre op medical clearance

There are specific indications for medical clearance based on age and medical conditions of the individual having the surgery. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate you and will determine the necessity for clearance. At 23 years of age and no significant medical conditions your risks are extremely low. If an evaluation by a medical doctor would help you to be more comfortable with the process I would encourage you to pursue it. I hope this was helpful and I wish you well. more

Preoperative medical clearance - physical examination

All patients have to have a physical examination and medical history before any surgery and this is now a state law in California as a prerequisite for cosmetic surgeyr in anyone. Every surgeon should examine their patients before surgery it's just good practice. If you are referring to a full general physical examination with chest xrays, EKGs etc. that depends. If you have never been examined by a general internist since early childhood it cannot hurt to be re-examined even if you are... more

Should I get a physical before looking for a surgeon?

Having a physical prior to seeking a surgeon is a good idea, especially if you have a family history of health issues or have a specific health concern. However, don't be surprised if you are required to repeat your blood work and physical prior to surgery again. In our practice, our regulations require that blood tests be performed no more than 14 days prior to surgery. Also keep in mind that your insurance may not cover these tests since they are for an elective surgical procedure. more

Physical Exam Before Aesthetic Surgery

It is important to be in a healthy state before undergoing any surgery. However, at your age (23), your plastic surgeon should be capable of performing a satisfactory pre-op physical, assuming that you have no hisrtory of problems. On the other hand, there is certainly no downside to having a full physical performed by an internist, especially if that will make you more comfortable with surgery.

Getting a physical before elective surgery

You are young and the chance of having any medical issues delaying or canceling your surgery is low. However, if you have never had a physical, it certainly is recommended whether you are having surgery or not. My concern is your nervousness. Is this a "healthy" nervousness which is normal or are you nervous because you are being pushed into doing this surgery? Please make sure you are having elective surgery for the right reason and for you and you ONLY. more

Should you have a physical prior to breast augmentation?

At your young age, with no significant medical history, and assuming there's nothing concerning found during your visit to your plastic surgeon, it may not be necessary for you to have a complete physical prior to this quick outpatient surgery. However, if you've never had one and want to have full peace of mind, it's absolutely a good idea.

Carmen Kavali, MD

11 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Pre-operative medical clearance

There is absolutely no problem with patients getting a complete medical evaluation by their physician before undergoing any elective operation. However, medical clearance is not necessarily indicated for a young healthy person with no personal or familial contributing medical issues. See the pre-operative work-up indications at the link below.

Medical Clearance for Cosmetic Surgery

If you are a young, healthy, woman who does not smoke or abuse other substances, you are probably safe to proceed with breast augmentation without a specific examination by a primary care doctor. Do tell your plastic surgeon if you take birth control pills or other medications, or if you have very heavy periods, or a family history of bleeding or clotting problems or breast cancer. Any plastic surgeon who is doing surgery should perform a full medical history, including review of... more

Breast implants

Prior to your breast augmentation, you would fill out a complete medical history and undergo a partial physical examination as well as laboratory tests that our outpatient surgical facility requires which does include a pregnancy test. If there are some medical issues, they would be looked into at that time.

Pre-surgery clearance for breast augmentation

Most patients who are young and healthy do not necessarily need medical clearance from their primary care physician before a breast augmentation. If you are concerned about a specific issue, then you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon to determine if a visit with your primary care physician is needed. Routine blood work is usually done at most surgical centers to make sure you're not anemic, pregnant or have any blood clotting disorders. If you are in any way... more

Physical

All physicians want their patients in the best medical condition prior to surgery. It would only beneficial to have your private MD examine you prior to a procedure.

Better to be Safe...

In my recommendation, I send all patients to see their medical doctor 7-10 before their surgery for a "pre-operative" medical clearance. Your medical doctor should know that you are having surgery and perform a physical and do tests that ensure you are medically stable for surgery.

Physical examination before breast augmentation.

You're young ,If you don't have any medical issues and otherwise healthy your plastic surgeon could do a full physical examination prior to your surgery(he's a M.D.) and decide whether can undergo the surgery at a very minimal risk.

Physical Examination prior to breast augmentation surgery

The need for a routine, yearly medical check-up in young healthy young adults is a debated topic in the medical field. However, a yearly gynecologic check-up is strongly recommended. Everyone's practice regarding a formal medical evaluation is different as you can see from the responses, but it truly depends on your past medical history, risk factors, and physical condition. I tailor my recommendations based on these variables, but lean in favor of obtaining a... more

Breast Augmentation, Breast Enlargement, Breast Implants

Choose a board certified plastic surgeon who by the way is a licensed physician. If you are more comfortable going to your family doctor then do that. For most young patients who are healthy I do not require a physical examination by an outside doctor prior to a surgery.

Medical consultation

If you have not been to a doctor in a while , it is always a good idea to have a physical periodically.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Physical before breast augmentation

If you are young and healthy with no medical problems a formal medical clearance is usually not necessary. A history and physical is, however, required when you are to undergo a procedure in the operating room setting under anesthesia, which you will require.

Yes

You should certainly haave medical clearance by your board certified plastic surgeon. If there is a family history of various medical condtions of If you have a known medical condition, you will need clearance from your primary care or specialist physician. By the way, it is normal to be nervous about having any kind of surgery.

Check up before surgery

Getting a complete check up is always a good thing, especially if you haven't seen a doctor in a while. Once you decide to go ahead with surgery, your plastic surgeon will examine you and will likely ask you to get pre-surgical check up anyways. Sincerely, Martin Jugenburg, MD

Physical

It never hurts to get a physical-especially if there is a family history of certain medical conditions

Your surgeon can examine you

Your consultation for breast augmentation should include a full review of your health history and full physical exam is usually performed before surgery. Having regular physical exams with your primary care provider is always a good idea but your surgeon can certainly determine if you are healthy enough for surgery.