Before performing plastic surgery, it is important that preoperative tests are carried out, which must be indicated by the doctor, with the aim of avoiding complications during the procedure or in the recovery phase, such as anemia or serious infections, for example.
Therefore, the doctor recommends carrying out a series of tests to determine if the person is healthy and if it is possible to perform the surgery. Only after analyzing all the exams is it possible to inform the person if it is possible to perform plastic surgery without complications.
The main tests requested by the doctor before performing any plastic surgery are:
1. Blood tests
Blood tests are essential for knowing the general health conditions of the patient, so the most requested analyzes before surgical procedures are:
- Blood count, in which the amounts of red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets are verified;
- coagulogram, which checks the person’s ability to clot and, thus, identifies the risk of major bleeding during the procedure;
- fasting blood glucose, as altered blood glucose levels can be life-threatening, especially during surgery. In addition, if the person has very high blood glucose levels, the risk of infection increases, and there may be an infection with a resistant microorganism, which is difficult to treat;
- Blood urea and creatinine measurement, as it gives information about the functioning of the kidneys;
- Antibody dosage, mainly total IgE and latex-specific IgE, informs if the person has any type of allergy and if the immune system is preserved.
To perform the blood tests, it may be necessary to fast for at least 8 hours, or according to the laboratory or doctor’s guidance. In addition, it is recommended that you do not use alcohol or smoke for at least 2 days before the exam, as these factors can interfere with the result.
2. Urine exam
Urinalysis is requested in order to check for kidney changes and possible infections. Thus, the doctor usually requests a type 1 urine test, also called EAS, in which macroscopic aspects are observed, such as color and odor, and microscopic aspects, such as the presence of red blood cells, epithelial cells, leukocytes, crystals and microorganisms. In addition, the pH, density and presence of other substances in the urine are checked, such as bilirubin, ketones, glucose and proteins, for example, and can inform about changes not only in the kidneys, but also in the liver, for example.
In addition to the EAS, the plastic surgeon also recommends performing a urine culture, which is a microbiological test that aims to verify the presence of microorganisms that cause infection. If infection is suspected, appropriate treatment is usually initiated to avoid the risk of complications during the procedure.
2. Cardiac exam
The exam that evaluates the heart normally requested before surgeries is the electrocardiogram, also known as ECG, which evaluates the electrical activity of the heart. Through this exam, the cardiologist evaluates the rhythm, speed and amounts of heartbeats, and it is possible to identify any abnormality.
The ECG is a quick test, takes an average of 10 minutes, does not cause pain and does not require specific preparation.
4. Imaging exam
Image exams vary according to the type of plastic surgery to be performed, but they all have the same objective, which is to evaluate the region where the surgery will be performed and verify the integrity of the organs.
In the case of breast augmentation, reduction and mastopexy, for example, ultrasound of the breasts and armpits are indicated, in addition to mammography if the person is over 50 years old. In the case of abdominoplasty and liposuction, ultrasound of the total abdomen and abdominal wall are usually recommended. For rhinoplasty surgeries, for example, the doctor usually requests a CT scan of the sinuses.
For imaging exams, no preparation is usually necessary, but it is important to follow the indications and guidelines of the doctor or the place where the exam will be carried out.
When to take the medical exams?
The exams must be done with at least 3 months for plastic surgery, as exams carried out more than 3 months may not represent the person’s real condition, since there may have been changes in the body.
The exams are requested by the plastic surgeon and aim to get to know the person and identify possible changes that can put the patient at risk during the procedure. Therefore, it is important that all exams are carried out to ensure the success and safety of the surgical procedure.
The test results are analyzed by the doctor and the anesthesiologist and, if all is well, the surgery is authorized and performed without any risk.
