Do you need a medical clearance to get a breast augmentation?

You do not mention your age or if you have any underlying medical problems that could increase the risks of surgery. All patients should have a physical examination by their surgeon and appropriate blood work prior to surgery. Patiets with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, or asthma, may need more extensive evaluation by an internist to evaluate their risk for surgery.

Not all of our patient require a medical clearance. Women who are young, in their 20s, and healthy do not require a medical clearance. We require medical clearance if you are taking blood pressure medication or have a medical condition that requires being controlled prior to surgery. I hope this helps.

You have mentioned that you are scheduled for surgery on March 24th which means you have already consulted with your plastic surgeon.  If you disclosed your medical history and medications you are taking to your surgeon, if they were concerned that would have you visit with your PCP for clearance.  If you are still concerned, contact your surgeon and verify you are medically ready for surgery.  Good luck.

Hi Lanena94,

Thank you for the question. It is not unusual for surgeons to require a medical clearance prior to breast augmentation surgery. However, this is a case to case basis, especially for those who have preexisting health conditions that need to be controlled before the surgery. If you are concerned, you should speak with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Every surgeon's office has their own protocol for this, so be sure to ask your surgeon.  In my practice, we require labs and full medical clearance for all patients in order to ensure optimal patient safety prior to surgery.  I also have a board-certified MD anesthesiologist administering anesthesia.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Medical clearance is only needed if you have a significant health history. Best to review this question with your surgeon now.
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

We get medical clearance for all of our patients prior to surgery to ensure that you are safe to undergo surgery. Safety is the most important factor and we do everything we can to ensure you are safe before you go to the OR.

Hello, I'd recommend asking your surgeon about their policy regarding a preoperative assessment by your family doctor.  In general I recommend my patients see their primary care physician for a full physical prior to surgery.  However, occasionally if a young, healthy patient is unable to see their doctor (or they don't have one) I will waive the requirement.  

If you are on the younger side of age and are healthy, then certainly your Board Certified PS is capable to make his or her own judgement in reference to medical clearance prior to surgery. However if you have more significant pre-existing medical issues, it is best to obtain clearance from each of your treating doctors. 

It would depend on your medical history. If you have no medical problems and do not take any medications then in my practice I would not require medical clearance. However, if you have significant medical comorbidities that would pose as danger with general anesthesia, such as heart, lung or vascular disease, then medical clearance would be warranted.