What the standard blood tests are that are required pre-op tummy tuck?

Generally speaking, blood tests are strongly recommended prior to cosmetic procedures in certain circumstances. If you have a history of any chronic medical condition (diabetes, liver or kidney disease among others) lab tests will reveal how you are doing and help determine your operative risks. Hospitals and surgical centers often require certain blood tests largely based on age. Age alone is not a major risk factor, but following facility rules is a good idea. The only absolute test for any female who could become pregnant is a pregnancy test, though that is usually a urine test.
The whole topic of pre-operative testing is undergoing changes. ECKs were once considered mandatory, now they are only required with a history of cardiac disease. Chest X-rays were required, now they are only used in select situations. Basically, we, as surgeons, want to make sure that you are a healthy candidate for surgery and we want to eliminate surprises.

Thank you for your question regarding the standard blood tests required before undergoing a tummy tuck. Pre-operative blood tests are an essential part of ensuring that you are healthy enough for surgery. The exact tests required may vary slightly depending on your surgeon and any pre-existing medical conditions, but most plastic surgeons follow similar protocols.

Typically, pre-op bloodwork includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to assess your red and white blood cells, hemoglobin levels, and platelets. This helps evaluate your overall health and your body’s ability to heal and fight infection. Additionally, a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is often required to check kidney and liver function, as well as electrolyte levels.

Your surgeon will also order Coagulation Tests such as PT (Prothrombin Time), PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time), and INR (International Normalized Ratio) to ensure your blood clots properly, reducing the risk of excessive bleeding during or after surgery. If you’re on certain medications like blood thinners, these tests are especially critical.

In some cases, surgeons may request a Type and Screen for blood typing, especially if there’s a risk of significant blood loss. Fasting Blood Glucose or Hemoglobin A1C tests may also be ordered to screen for diabetes or to evaluate blood sugar control if you have a history of high blood sugar levels. Other specialized tests, like thyroid function or a pregnancy test, might be added based on your health history.

For patients with known challenges, like rolling veins, it's helpful to share this with the medical team in advance. They can use specific techniques or tools, such as butterfly needles or vein finders, to make the process smoother and less stressful.

These tests ensure your safety during surgery and help identify any underlying conditions that may need to be managed prior to your procedure. If you have concerns about the blood draw process, be sure to discuss them with your surgeon or the pre-op team so they can accommodate your needs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question.
Typically CBC is all that is needed. Every surgeon has a different protocol. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Hello! Great question. When it comes to labs ordered for procedures, every office will differ slightly. For example, our practice requires a CBC with differential & a CMP for general anesthesia procedures. Other testing such as an A1C, EKG, chest x-ray, etc. may be necessary as well based on your personal medical history. Good luck!

Safety is the most important consideration when undergoing any surgical procedure. Ensuring that a patient is physically prepared and healthy enough for surgery helps minimize risks during the procedure and in the recovery process. Pre-operative tests, such as blood work, EKGs, and other assessments, are essential tools that allow the surgical team to evaluate overall health, identify potential issues, and make informed decisions.
Before undergoing a tummy tuck, there are several standard blood tests typically required to ensure your safety during the procedure. These tests help assess your overall health and identify any potential risks. You will also meet with your primary care provider to review your overall health and provide medical guidance on any additional optimization that may be required. Common pre-operative blood work includes:
Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test evaluates your red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets, helping to assess your general health, ability to heal, and risk of infection or bleeding.
BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel) is a blood test that measures important chemicals in your blood, providing information about your heart, kidney, muscle, and bone function.
Fasting Blood Glucose or Hemoglobin A1C: If you have a history of diabetes, these tests help evaluate your blood sugar control.
An EKG (Electrocardiogram) is often recommended for individuals over the age of 50 before undergoing surgery, including a tummy tuck, especially if they have a history of heart disease or other risk factors. The EKG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, allowing doctors to assess heart rhythm, detect irregularities, and evaluate overall heart health.
Additional tests, such as pregnancy tests for women of childbearing age or thyroid function tests, may be required depending on individual health history. These tests help ensure you are a good candidate for surgery and allow the medical team to address any underlying issues before proceeding with the procedure.
It is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can customize your surgical plan and determine the best technique for you based on your individual anatomy and goals.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Thank you for your inquiry! Surgeons can order pre-op testing for multiple reasons. The length of the surgery, the patient medical history or the specific surgery. Typically, it is a CBC and BMP. We would love to sit down with you and discuss your options. Schedule an appointment with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Dear Thrifty132638,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

If you are healthy and have no chronic or known diseases, most of the time you would need a full blood count, coagulation tests, some biochemical markers, a chest X-ray, and an ECG. You might need additional tests depending on the results of course. You will be asked questions when you have a consultation with anesthesiologist and your doctor. Good luck.

Blood tests are required before surgery to examine your general state of health, to determine if you have infection , or to determine how a specific organ is functioning in your body

CBC ( complete blood count) is the most common lab work surgeons require before the surgery

Testing is determined by a patient's health and age and extent of your operation. Different institutions may require different standard testing. The minimum test would usually be a blood count. For older patients, say over 50 years old, a blood count and EKG might be considered the minimal required testing.