Can I refuse HIV test before facelift even tho surgeon is requesting it?

Question

A plastic surgeon I’m planning on using is requesting hep b hep c and hiv. Is the common for facelift surgery?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Yes, some surgeons or surgery centers request HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C testing before elective surgery, including facelift surgery. It is not universal, but it is a common enough policy in some practices and facilities. The purpose is usually perioperative planning, staff safety protocols, and making sure any medical issues are recognized before surgery.

You can decline a test, but the surgeon or facility may also decline to proceed with elective surgery if their policy requires it. A positive test does not automatically mean you cannot have a facelift; it usually means the team may need more information, such as viral load, liver function, medication status, or clearance from your treating physician. If you are uncomfortable, ask why the test is required, how your results will be protected, and whether there are alternatives. If the policy still does not feel right to you, it is reasonable to seek another consultation.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Different Surgeons will have slightly different preop testing regimens.  Personally I don't require such testing because the approach to the patient should be the same whether a patient is HIV positive or not.  HIV is relatively difficult to acquire via needle stick injuries and is now very treatable.  Universal precautions should be employed by every Surgeon.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Yes, you can decline preoperative lab work. Hopefully, your surgeon will discuss with you their reasoning. After, they may decide to forgo the lab work, or decline to operate on you. Or you may be receptive to their reasoning and decide to have the lab work completed. Either way, it shouldn't be a contentious situation and its always best for patient and surgeon to be on the same page when proceeding with surgery. Some times it can be the policy of the surgery center a surgeon operates at and the surgeon may not have any control. Regardless, the test is ordered because they want to know in the event that someone involved in the surgery gets poked with a needle, they could start antiviral therapy earlier. Personally, I don't order these tests before surgery, but don't think it inappropriate of surgeons that do.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

As surgeons we practice universal precautions and do not routinely test our patients for HIV/HepC.  However it may be necessary to work up abnormal WBC or liver function tests to ensure you have a safe procedure.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is best to have a frank discussion with your operative surgeon that you're planning on having the facelift procedure with. Some offices do require pre-surgical bloodwork prior to elective cosmetic surgery, to ensure the safety of that all the staff and the surgeon during the the perioperative period. More important is to Study your prospective surgeon's before and after facelift photo Gallery to make sure that they have lots of before-and-after's that look very natural

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has their own preferences for bloodwork to be completed prior to surgery. Some surgical procedures such as laser resurfacing or dermabrasion can aerosolize particles which may exposure surgical personnel to infectious diseases. Requiring infectious disease testing for such procedures is very common given this risk. These adjunct procedures are often done concomitantly with facelift surgery and may explain the situation.

If a standard surgical facelift is being performed without such procedures, it is still the preference of the surgeon to choose to order such laboratory studies.

Remember that your health information is protected information (HIPAA) and won't be disclosed to other, non-treating, health personnel.

Given that you're asking about this, I assume you're uncomfortable with such testing. I'd recommend that you sit down with your surgeon. Inquire about their rationale for such testing and express your feelings regarding it as well.

Jose Segura, MD, PhD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, the AIDS test, within the pre-surgical exams, depends on the norm that is applied in the country where the surgery is performed. For example, in Mexico it is not necessary only if there are risk factors in the patient and this information is obtained from the interview. In the United States, the FDA today has not regulated that it is necessary, but the doctor also counts, who by his decision requests it. I hope the information is useful

Can I refuse HIV test before facelift even tho surgeon is requesting it?

Answers (7)

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