What medical exams are required before having liposuction?

Question

What are the exams needed pre-op? What are the doctors actually looking for? Can they be done in ps office or have to make appointment from pcp prior to set surgery date?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would call the plastic surgeon who will be performing your surgery to determine these items.  There is no uniform standard here with regard to labs, etc.  A complete history and physical needs to be performed, but lab work and other workup will be based upon risk factors and surgeon or anesthesiologist judgment. Usually a hemoglobin and pregnancy test on women in childbearing years are performed.  The tests needed will vary with age, current medical problems, and personal preference to some extent. I have patients who come throughout the US and overseas.  I have several doctors who can provide clearance with respect to chem 12, coags, and CBC.  Your PCP can fax the results of the blood work and other tests to our office. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

In general, if a patient is young and healthy, very little testing is required prior to elective cosmetic surgery. A woman needs a pregnancy test the morning of surgery and many surgeons will check a blood count as well.If someone is a bit older or if they have a chronic medical condition or family history of bleeding disorder, additional testing will frequently be requested as well as an examination by one's primary care or specialist physician.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Every surgeon is different, so be sure to discuss this with your surgeon also.  In my practice every patient must obtain medical clearance from their primary physician and undergo standard labs.  Additional tests may be necessary depending on your medical history.  Safety must be the number one priority at all times.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Garrett Jones, DO · Answer

Before undergoing liposuction, your plastic surgeon will likely conduct a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and to minimize potential risks. The specific exams and tests required can vary depending on your overall health, medical history, and the extent of the planned liposuction. Here are common medical assessments that may be part of the preoperative evaluation:1. Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical examination will be conducted to assess your overall health, the condition of your skin, and the areas where liposuction is planned. The plastic surgeon will also evaluate your body mass index (BMI) and ensure that you are within a healthy range.2. Blood Tests: Routine blood tests may be ordered to assess your blood count, clotting factors, and overall health. These tests help identify any underlying medical conditions that may affect the surgery or increase the risk of complications.3. Medical History Review: You will be asked about your medical history, including any pre-existing health conditions, allergies, medications, and previous surgeries. Be transparent about your medical history to ensure your plastic surgeon has a complete understanding of your health.4. Cardiovascular Evaluation: Depending on your age and medical history, your plastic surgeon may recommend cardiovascular assessments, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test, to evaluate your heart health.5. Chest X-ray: In some cases, a chest X-ray may be required to assess lung health and detect any underlying respiratory conditions.6. Preoperative Clearance: If you have underlying medical conditions, your plastic surgeon may request clearance from your primary care physician or relevant specialists to ensure that your health is optimized for surgery.7. Body Imaging: Depending on the extent of liposuction and the areas being targeted, your plastic surgeon may use imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to assess the underlying structures and plan the procedure effectively.8. Infection Screening: Tests for infectious diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis, may be required to minimize the risk of infection during and after the surgery.It's crucial to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about your health and any concerns you may have. This information helps the plastic surgeon tailor the procedure to your individual needs and mitigate potential risks. Following your plastic surgeon's recommendations for preoperative exams and tests is essential for a safe and successful liposuction procedure.

Daniel Kolder, MD · Answer

Providing you are in good general health and following a healthy lifestyle, there may not be much required before liposuction. One of the reasons for a consultation is to allow your plastic surgeon to identify any medical or family history which may potentially pose a problem, as part of assessing your suitability for liposuction. My advice is to find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in your area and book a consultation. This will give you a better idea of what exactly will be involved.

Ricardo Ventura, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for your question and provided information as well... It depends on each surgeon, but in must of the cases a complete blood work, if you suffer of any heart condition or not, an EKG evaluation, x-rays...

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

For very healthy patients, there are no specific requirements except the surgeon assessing your health.  For those patients with medical history such as heart, lung, or diabetic disorders, then a medical exam can sometimes be required by the surgeon.

Kevin Bounds, MD · Answer

Elective surgery of any kind requires an examination on the part of the surgeon performing your procedure. This includes a thorough history, and any specific pre-operative tests will be determined based on the patient's medical status.  Age, other medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension), and habits (smoking) may influence the specific tests that are required before your liposuction procedure.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

Labs before surgery are based upon your age and whether or not you have any medical problems.  If you are healthy and the surgery is under local, no labs are required unless you receive a different opinion from the operating surgeon. I hope this helps
Dr. Dillon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A basic medical exam should be performed by your surgeon, but if further work-up is needed based upon your history then your surgeon will decide upon that.

What medical exams are required before having liposuction?

Answers (13)

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