What tests do I need for health clearance before my facelift?

Thank you for the question. First, I would offer a word of caution about traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery (or really any surgery).  Follow up care is essential in cosmetic procedures, and this is generally difficult with long-distance travel.  If there are any complications, you may have a difficult time finding a doctor at home to assume your care... or end up with a lot of medical bills that are not covered by your insurance. Second, pre-op testing is on a case-by-case. basis. In general, I follow the guidelines created by anesthesia and cardiology specialists. These dictate certain tests for men and women based on age.  The most common tests are blood tests for anemia, electrolyte levels, and coagulation capacity.  Other tests may include an EKG (heart rhythm) and chest x-ray (for patients with lung disease).  Patients with other specific illnesses, such as diabetes or liver disease, may require extra testing.

Pre-operative health clearance for a facelift (e.g. blood
work, PCP clearance, specialty test –EKG, etc.) depends on: 1) patient’s
medical conditions, 2) facelift surgeon’s practice policy, 3) Hospital or
Surgery Center Policy, and 4) State and State medical board policy. Patient
interested in undergoing facelift should discuss about the required
preoperative health clearance applicable to her/him with his Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon during the consultation.

In general, the tests would be directed by your general medical condition.  In my practice, I do laboratory tests on patients with diabetes, hypertension, heart concerns, etc...  Patients over 50 yrs old get lab work as well.  This is a question best directed at the surgeon and anesthesiologist performing your surgery as they will have to assume the responsibility for your safety during the surgery and recovery period.  Good luck and be safe.

The health & welfare of each patient is the most important issue before, during & after surgery.  With elective (cosmetic) surgery, a healthy patient is essential to begin with. All of us live in some level of health at any one time, and this can change.   Assuming a patient appears to be healthy (by history & current status), then issues such as smoking history and medication usage are important to evaluate. (Smokers may not heal as well. Certain medications affect clotting, for example.)  Once "medical clearance" is achieved, then certain tests can help reinforce the picture of health. Blood tests such as a CBC and blood chemistry are used. An EKG helps evaluate heart rate & rhythm. Platelet function tests are sometimes ordered.  Depending on type of anesthesia, a chest X-ray may be helpful. Summary:  "tests" are only part of the overall pre-operative evaluation in determining one's suitability for elective surgery. It is important to disclose all medical issues to your physician before any procedure! 

The specific preoperative workup varies from patient to patient depending on their physical condition. Most facelift patients are old enough to warrant basic lab work and an EKG.