Every patient at every age, young or old, should have their plastic surgeon complete the following; if not, they’re probably setting themselves up for disaster later on. Lake Mary, FL, plastic surgeon Edward Gross, MD, adds that besides a patient’s health history, their medications, allergies, psychological makeup and motivations for surgery need to be assessed as well.
A full physical examination.
Any ethical plastic surgeon will perform one to obtain an accurate medical history. “For patients over the age of 50, clearance for surgery by their own physician is recommended, too,” says Houston plastic surgeon Henry Mentz, MD.
Disclose preexisting medical issues.
“Patients need to be forthcoming about what they take, including over-the-counter meds, vitamins and supplements, and any allergies they have. Disclose everything so that your doctor has an understanding of your health and addresses any issues prior to surgery,” says Eugene, OR, plastic surgeon Mark Jewell, MD.
A blood test.
According to Tijuana plastic surgeon Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD, patients need some sort of pre-op blood test. “This checks several parameters including cholesterol levels, anemia, liver and kidney function, and coagulation time.”
An electrocardiogram (ECG).
These are recommended for those over the age of 50, or those with high blood pressure, to make sure their heart beats properly and can handle surgery.
A mammogram, depending on your age.
Reserved for breast surgery, a mammogram is done prior to surgery to make sure that there are no irregularities in your breasts that could compromise the surgery or your results.
