Pre op lab work
Pre op lab work has some variability among surgeons and surgery centers.
For a tummy tuck I think it is better to get a pregnancy test (urine) and a blood lab work to show how your blood levels are doing (H and H).
These are not necessarily required and a good history will let the surgeon know how important these lab test are or are not for each patient.
I do think liposuction will be an important part of your tummy tuck result however.
Not everyone will agree but I think liposuction almost always improves the tummy tuck result. (Remus Repta, MD, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon)
Preop lab tests
Pre op lab work blood test
If you are 23 years old and in good general health, no pre op labs are really needed. Personally, I get a basic blood count in all patients. Surgeons used to get a whole battery of lab tests prior to surgery, but for the most part found out they were a waste of money in a young healthy individual.
I used to think a pregnancy test pre op, but patients can have unprotected sex a day or two before surgery and a pregnancy test would not pick it up (especially if the test is done a week before surgery ). (Ronald J. Edelson, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
Pre op lab work for tummy tuck
Pre op lab work image
There are indications for the blood work that are based on the patient’s age,medical history and the planned procedure. I would recommend liposuction and tummy tuck to achieve the best results. (Kamran Khoobehi, MD, New Orleans Plastic Surgeon)
For patients under 40 with no known health issues, usually no lab work is required with the exception of a pregnancy test. The idea of pre-op lab tests is to turn up unsuspected problems that might interfere with anesthesia or surgery, but this is so uncommon in young healthy patients that most hospitals/surgicenters/offices no longer have lab test requirements.
More troublesome is your sense that you weren’t properly examined and your questions not answered. Presumably you will have another visit before surgery at which time do not by shy with questions.
Pre op lab work photo
As to the possible need for liposuction, I can’t tell from this view alone, but to say that you should expect a nice and dramatic improvement from the tummy tuck. A frontal view might show that there would be benefit from lipo to the flanks. (Jourdan Gottlieb, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Lab Work Needed for Tummy Tuck?
In the USA, the requirement for lab work before surgery will vary based on state regulations and outpatient/hospital guidelines related to the specific procedure and health of the patient. Your surgeon should be expected to discuss the procedure and risks with you. Since you are feeling uncomfortable in this doctor/patient relationship, you should seek several other opinions before deciding on surgery. (Stephen M. Lazarus, MD, Knoxville Plastic Surgeon)
For a healthy 23 year old, only blood count and pregnancy test is necessary prior to an anesthesia. Perhaps he will discuss the risks at your preoperative appointment. Liposuction could help reduce the size of the flank (love handle) area. (Michael Horn, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
