- 1. Blood tests
- 2. Urine test
- 2. Cardiac examination
- 4. Image examination
- When to do the medical exams?
Before performing plastic surgery, it is important that preoperative tests are performed, which should be indicated by the doctor, in order to avoid complications during the procedure or in the recovery phase, such as anemia or serious infections, for example.
Therefore, the doctor recommends performing a series of tests to determine whether the person is healthy and whether surgery is possible. 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 exams requested by the doctor before any plastic surgery is performed are:
1. Blood tests
Blood tests are essential to know the patient's general health conditions, so the most requested tests before surgical procedures are:
- CBC, in which the amounts of red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets are checked; Coagulogram, which checks the person's clotting ability 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 by a resistant microorganism, which is difficult to be treated; Dosage of urea and creatinine in the blood, as it gives information about the functioning of the kidneys; Antibody dosage, mainly total IgE and latex-specific IgE, tells you if the person has any type of allergy and if the immune system is preserved.
To perform blood tests, it may be necessary to fast for at least 8 hours, or according to the guidance of the laboratory or doctor. In addition, it is recommended that you do not use alcohol or smoke at least 2 days before the exam, as these factors can interfere with the result.
2. Urine test
The urine test 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, such as color and odor, and microscopic aspects, such as the presence of red blood cells, epithelial cells, leukocytes, crystals and microorganisms are observed. In addition, the pH, density and presence of other substances in the urine, such as bilirubin, ketones, glucose and proteins, for example, are checked, being able to 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 urine culture, which is a microbiological examination that aims to verify the presence of microorganisms that cause infection. Because if infection is suspected, appropriate treatment is usually started to avoid the risk of complications during the procedure.
2. Cardiac examination
The test that evaluates the heart normally requested before surgery is the electrocardiogram, also known as ECG, which evaluates the electrical activity of the heart. Through this examination, the cardiologist assesses the rhythm, speed and amount of heartbeat, making it possible to identify any abnormalities.
The ECG is a quick exam, lasts an average of 10 minutes, does not cause pain and does not require specific preparation.
4. Image examination
Imaging exams vary according to the type of plastic surgery to be performed, but all have the same objective, which is to assess the region where the surgery will be performed and to check the integrity of the organs.
In the case of breast augmentation, reduction and mastopexy, for example, ultrasound of the breasts and armpit is indicated, in addition to mammography if the person is over 50 years old. In the case of abdominoplasty and liposuction, ultrasonography of the total abdomen and abdominal wall is usually recommended. For rhinoplasty surgeries, for example, the doctor usually requests a CT scan of the sinuses.
In order to perform the imaging exams, no type of 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 performed.
When to do the medical exams?
The exams must be done with at least 3 months for plastic surgery, because exams performed 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 may put the patient at risk during the procedure. Therefore, it is important that all tests are performed to ensure the success and safety of the surgical procedure.
The results of the exams are analyzed by the doctor and the anesthetist and, if everything is fine, the surgery is authorized and performed without any risk.
