What lab tests are done for facelift & tummy tuck & is my blood pressure too high?

Dear Cara thank you for your question.

For preoperative assessment, common blood tests include a complete blood count (CBC), coagulation studies, and a basic metabolic panel. These tests help ensure that your body is in an optimal condition for surgery. Depending on your specific health situation, additional tests might be recommended.

Regarding your blood pressure, although 130/80 is not very high I would recommend checking with your primary care physician if pharmacological management is needed. Extremely high blood pressure may lead to surgical postponement for safety reasons, keep in mind that high blood pressure is associated with postoperative complication after facelifts, mainly hematomas.

Thank you for your question. Every surgery has a specific pre-op blood test because each surgery has different protocols . If you are considering facial surgery we do not recommend combining this with a tummy tuck procedure in one surgery. A tummy tuck is a lengthy surgery as are most facial surgeries so, it's not advisable to do both at one time. For facial surgery, blood pressure is one of the most important parameters that must be under control. The face has a lot of blood vessels and if your blood pressure is high, you are at a greater risk of bleeding during surgery or, hematoma formation after facial surgery. When I have patients who have an issue during a surgical procedure, it's usually very difficult to manage their blood pressure and so, this is why I select healthy patients or, those who have their high blood pressure issues under control. There are different protocols we can use and, with certain medications we can lower the high blood pressure a couple of days before surgery and several days after surgery to try and avoid these complications . For the tummy tuck, elevated blood pressure is not as much of a concern. Obviously if you have high blood pressure, the complications could be different, not only hematoma formations but we can have a lot of vascular problems in the rest of your body during a tummy tuck , the survival of the abdominal skin flap is crucial. If you are considering either of these procedures, it is imperative that you have a thorough cardiovascular evaluation and get your blood pressure under control.
Wishing you the best.

Hello @Cara1180, thank you for your question. Lab test for surgery depends on the doctor perfoming surgery and the procedure being done. The most common tests in general for surgery are complete blood count, urine analysis, liver function testing, coagulation studies, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Additional tests may be ordered if needed based on the patient's medical history or risk factors. Your doctor will provide you with more information about what he requires. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Blood pressure readings in the range of 130s over 80s are considered prehypertension, which means your blood pressure is higher than the ideal range but not yet in the hypertensive range. It's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for managing it.

When it comes to surgery, particularly elective procedures like a facelift and tummy tuck, your surgeon and anesthesiologist will typically evaluate your overall health, including your blood pressure, to assess the risks and benefits of proceeding with the surgery. If your blood pressure is consistently elevated, it's possible that they may want to optimize your blood pressure control before considering the surgery. They will take into account factors such as the severity of your anxiety, the impact of anxiety on your blood pressure, and any potential risks associated with performing the surgery under such circumstances.

Regarding blood tests for a facelift and tummy tuck, the specific tests required may vary depending on various factors, including your overall health and any pre-existing conditions. Your surgeon or their medical team will provide you with a list of the necessary tests based on their evaluation. Commonly requested tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), coagulation studies, and possibly a pregnancy test if applicable. It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions and complete any necessary tests to ensure your safety during the surgical procedure.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

As long as you're in excellent health, no blood work is typically performed. Much more important is to check your blood pressure 2 to 3 times a day and get that blood pressure normal to prevent a hematoma following two surgical procedures. That's your biggest risk factor. If your blood pressure is too high on the day of the surgery, the anesthesiologist might likely cancel your surgery. Choose your facelift surgeon wisely based on extensive experience. Study their before and after facelift photo Gallery to make sure that it it is extensive with natural results that you like