Did I need to see my regular doctor before having a tummy tuck?

Question

I have decided to have a tummy tuck, no health problems do I need to see my regular doctor first I already have a date scheduled 9-23-15 for surgery.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,If you are not over 50 and have no health conditions or regular required medications, you don't likely need to see your family Doctor. I have my patients complete routine bloodwork pre-op and will advise baseline testing or assessment from other practitioners only when necessary. Ask your Plastic Surgeon what their requirements are.All the best!

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

This is an area where many different doctors have many different approaches. In general, most will agree that if you are over 50 or have any medical conditions, you should obtain formal medical clearance prior to your operation–that is evaluation by a Family practice doctor/internist with supporting labs, EKG, chest x-ray et cetera. However, in cases where the patient is younger and healthy, there is no consensus as to the need for medical clearance. I would have a careful discussion about this matter with your plastic surgeon. It is vitally important that you seek the advice of a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of plastic surgery and has extensive experience in the procedure. I wish you the best. Dr. Gabbay.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. It's very important to make a preparation weeks or even months before the surgery, advising the patient to take certain measures that helps to have a successful surgery with very good results.You can perform surgery just if the blood work and preop cardiovascular evaluation are in optimal range that allows us to make a safe procedure.Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hi, every surgeon will have their own policy whether a preoperative general physical exam is necessary before a tummy tuck.  In my practice I do prefer if patients have a full preop assessment before a larger cosmetic surgery operation, but practically speaking this isn't always possible.  I will make exceptions in some cases.

Timothy Treece, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending on your age and past medical history anesthesia will require some type of history and physical prior to a surgery. Consulting with your plastic surgeon before surgery about this would be suggested. Your plastic surgeon may to the history and physical day of surgery which is very common but you want to make sure you have everything done prior to your surgery date to make this a smooth transition for you. Best of luck!

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Any surgeon should thoroughly evaluate you before surgery to determine any special considerations based on your health and to determine if there are any concerns that should be addressed prior to surgery. If you are healthy with no active medical problems and your surgeon has no additional concerns then you should be fine. Be sure to seek the services of a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This way you'll be treated by someone specifically trained in this procedure and in the proper techniques to evaluate a patient before surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery has a website
listing all the certified plastic surgeons. The American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization
devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face
and body. ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are
certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the
complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures.
International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their
respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics
and must meet stringent membership requirements

John Dean, MD · Answer

Every surgeon and surgical facility have guidelines stating what type of preoperative workup needs to be done. For patients undergoing general anesthesia, with some medical problems or who have reached a certain age, a formal medical clearance from a primary care physician may be required before anesthesia will be administered.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Its not a bad idea to visit with your PCP or internist prior to elective surgery.  Please talk to you plastic surgeon about his/her specific preoperative recommendations as they are most familiar with your medical history.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, there.  It does not hurt to see your primary care physician.  However, as long as you are healthy and medically optimized and your plastic surgeon has reviewed your medical history, you will not need to see your regular doctor.  Please ask your plastic surgeon about your pre-operative assessment and instruction.  Good luck.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Your surgeon should perform a thorough history before your surgery during your consultation and determine if a further evaluation is needed.  If you don't have any significant medical problems, it is not always necessary to have another examination by your family physician.

Did I need to see my regular doctor before having a tummy tuck?

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