What goes on in a pre operative tummy tuck assessment?

The first consultation involves obtaining a full patient history, in order to determine what health issues might be present that could affect the procedure and recovery. An examination is also performed, to assess the quantity and quality of the abdominal skin and tissues, the status of the muscles, and other factors. At this first visit, I would determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a tummy tuck, and whether other procedures or modifications might be appropriate as well. I meet with each patient again about one week prior to surgery. At that visit, I review the risks and informed consents, take patient photos, and explain the entire course of events from pre-op to day of surgery to post-op, including all important instructions. I also do a general physical examination including heart and lungs. It is VERY rare that a tummy tuck patient requires ANY preoperative blood tests or an EKG or chest x-ray. Those used to be done 10-20 years ago or more, but are no longer recommended (although some older surgeons still obtain such tests because they were trained in that manner). The current recommendations and guidelines from the anesthesiology societies call for no tests at all (except a urine pregnancy test in women) for patients under age 50 without serious medical problems like hypertension, diabetes or heart disease. In many cases, guidelines now extend that age up to 60. If you are older, or if you have health issues, then such testing is absolutely important. Each plastic surgeon will have his or her own protocols or preferences, so you should discuss this with your surgeon and make decisions that make both of you comfortable.

Usually there are two visits before tummy tuck surgery: The first is the consultation where the surgeon determines whether you have muscle separation, how much skin laxity there is, and localized fat tissue in order to make a plan. The preoperative visit is for reviewing informed consent, making sure the patient knows what to expect throughout the process, and yes usually a blood test. You will do fine!

Thank you for the question. Every surgeon has a different protocol and it also depends if they operate in their certified office surgical suite, outpatient ambulatory surgical center or hospital. The latter have more bureaucracy. In my practice, when I evaluate a prospective patient for a tummy tuck, I take a thorough medical/ surgical history and do an examination. This involves looking at the person standing up in 360 degrees and also examining the abdominal wall laying down. We check for hernias, abdominal masses and muscle separation. I take photos, place them on my TouchMD software and review them with the patient. I show them my surgical approach and advise them about any other areas which need to be treated with the abdomen to give them the best body contouring outcome. No blood work is done if you are healthy. If there are co-morbidities, blood work, ECG and medical clearance is required. 

suggests your consultation is already done and you're scheduled for surgery.  At the pre-op,  your surgeon will complete an exam and review your history and fill out the paperwork required by the surgery facility.  Consents are signed and prescriptions are given and should be filled before the procedure.  Some will counsel you on a bowel prep as well.  You will have blood work done but its usually at the lab or the facility.  Hope it works out well for you.

Assuming that you are proceeding with a consultation your abdomen and general body habitus will be assessed.  If you are a candidate for tightening of your muscles and removal of loose skin and fat, your surgeon will determine your medical suitability based on your weight, smoking habits and general health.  In our Certified facility here in Los Angeles we do require basic blood tests to check for diabetes, anemia, low platelets and clotting ability although most healthy patients pass without difficulty.  Your surgeon's routine may differ but in the end you should seek to be confident that you're not taking unnecessary risks.  During the surgery your calves should be compressed by "sequential stockings" and you should be strongly encouraged to get out of bed and ambulate to quickly after your procedure to restore lower leg circulation and reduce the risks of blood clots.I hope that this helps.  Keep in mind that appropriate full tummy tuck patients enjoy some of the most dramatic improvements in their body and self confidence.Regards,Jon A Perlman MD FACS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Extreme Makeover Surgeon ABC TV
Beverly Hills, Ca