PLUS SIZE HIGH BMI TUMMY TUCK & BBL – Dr. Nick Masri

pre surgery evaluation

Make It Safe: Pre-Surgery Evaluations for High BMI Patients

Pre-surgery evaluations ensure your safety and set you up for the best possible results for your high BMI goals.

Wondering what kind of evaluations you need? Let’s break it down:

Physical Examination

physical examination
physical examination

First things first, you’ll have a thorough physical exam to get a complete picture of your health. Your doctor will check your vital signs, listen to your heart and lungs, and examine the areas related to your planned procedure.

For plus-sized patients, this exam might include special attention to your skin elasticity and where you carry your weight. Why? Because these factors can affect how your body responds to surgery and heals afterward.

Your surgeon might also look for signs that could indicate underlying health conditions, like acanthosis nigricans (a skin condition sometimes linked to insulin resistance).

Medical and Family History

Be open about any past surgeries or medical conditions, medications you’re taking (including over-the-counter and herbal supplements), and your family’s health history. Pay special attention to those related to heart disease, diabetes, or complications with anesthesia.

For people carrying extra weight, it’s also important to discuss any issues with blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea.

Additional Tests

medical tests for plus size plastic surgery
medical tests

Depending on your situation, your surgeon might recommend some additional tests to ensure you’re in the best possible shape for surgery.

Some common tests include:

  • Liver Function Tests: These blood tests check how well your liver is working. It’s important because your liver plays a key role in processing medications and healing.
  • Body Fat Analysis: This test gives a more detailed look at your body composition. It might involve special scales, calipers, or even high-tech scans like DEXA.
  • Cardiovascular Evaluation: Your heart health is crucial for surgery. You might need an EKG or stress test, especially if you have risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.
  • Sleep Study: If there’s any concern about sleep apnea (which can be more common in people with higher BMIs), your doctor might recommend a sleep study to ensure you’ll be safe under anesthesia.

Personalized Pre-Op Plan

Based on all this information, your surgeon will create a personalized pre-op plan that might include:

  • Nutrition guidance to optimize your health before surgery
  • Recommendations for exercise (as appropriate) to improve your overall fitness
  • Strategies to manage any existing health conditions

You might also be asked to lose a bit of weight if it would significantly reduce your surgical risks and make your procedure as safe and effective as possible.