What tests do you have to have done before getting a breast augmentation?

Question

I heard you need a blood test and a pregnancy test? is that all, and what all are they checking for when they test your blood, iron levels? do you have to go elsewhere for these tests or do they do it at the plastic surgery place? and also how far in advance of your surgery do you get this done?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

The regulations in Ontario state that unless you have a pre-existing medical condition or your doctor has a particular concern that needs investigation, you don't need any specific bloodwork.  You want to make sure that you are not pregnant at the time of the surgery, so we get a pregnancy test for our patients, but aside from that the standard blood work up is ordered in our clinic only if there is a medical indication.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I test all my patients for there blood level, their clotting level, and a pregnancy test. These are standard for anyone having an operation. In Ontario I give patients a requisition and they can go anywhere they would like. I ask for the blood work to be done within 30 days of surgery!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
You'll find that every practice has a different routine when it comes to pre-operative lab and medical workup. This includes blood tests that are ordered.  For most young, healthy patients minimal to no blood work is necessary. For example, often a hemoglobin check and a pregnancy test may be all that is indicated for a young healthy patient undergoing breast surgery.
In our practice, during the preoperative visit ( typically done several weeks prior to surgery)  patients are given a list of do's and don'ts that will help them get through the surgery and recovery safely.   We review their medical history and obtain any necessary preoperative workup necessary. This may include EKG and/or laboratory values depending on the patient's specific situation (factors such as patient age and medical history are important).It will be best to speak with your surgeon and see what the office policy is for that specific office.
Best wishes.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear catherine,Thank you for your post. In general, I follow the patient's gynecologists guidelines for mammograms which is commonly to start at age 40. While getting a mammogram earlier is not a requirement for surgery, it is not harmful either. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer so it is a valuable but not perfect screening tool. I would talk it over with your surgeon and find what you both agree with. Otherwise, in a young healthy female, no other blood test are required other than a pregnancy test.  Some surgeons will ask for a general panel as well, but do not really need it.  Mammograms are paid for by most insurances and is irrelevant if you are having an augmentation.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Joanne Lopes, MD · Answer

Different surgery clinics and surgeons may have diferent requirements.It is important for you to find out what your surgeon may require. The most ordered test are usual a pregnancy test, a test for iron such as hemoglobin , and a mammogram if you are 35-'40 years old .Again this may vary according to your surgeon.

What tests do you have to have done before getting a breast augmentation?

Answers (5)