June 2024

Preparing for surgery involves a series of tests to ensure that you are fit for the procedure and to minimise the risk of complications. Your doctor will talk you through these and answer any questions that you might have, but to help you understand the basics, here’s a summary of tests that you might be advised to undertake before surgery:

Pre-Surgical Tests Overview

Before undergoing surgery, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your health status. Surgeons and anaesthesiologists use pre-surgical tests to identify any potential issues that could complicate the procedure or your recovery. These tests are tailored to your health history, the type of surgery you’re having, and any underlying medical conditions.

Common Pre-Surgical Tests

Blood Tests

• Full Blood Count (FBC): This test checks for anaemia, infection, and other blood-related issues. Anaemia could lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues during surgery, while infections could complicate the healing process. Anaemia is a common problem in women who have heavy periods or have had a gastric sleeve or bypass procedure.
• Electrolyte Panel: Measures levels of potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes that regulate heart rhythms and other body functions. Abnormal levels could affect heart and muscle function, posing risks during surgery.
• Coagulation Studies (PT/PTT): Assesses how well your blood clots, which is crucial for preventing excessive bleeding during and after surgery. Abnormal clotting times could necessitate the adjustment of medications or treatments to manage bleeding risks.
• Glucose: Monitors blood sugar levels to manage diabetes or detect it in undiagnosed patients. High blood sugar can increase the risk of infection and slow the healing process.
• Cotinine test:. This checks for nicotine in the blood stream. Patients who have a history of heavy smoking will be asked to have a cotinine blood test before booking their surgery to avoid the high risk of infection, skin necrosis and anaesthetic complications associated with cigarettes, shisha and vaping.

Imaging Tests

• Chest X-rays: Helps diagnose respiratory issues, heart problems, and infections. For patients with a history of lung or heart disease, this test can reveal conditions that might need to be managed before surgery.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias and heart muscle damage. This test is particularly important for patients with a history of heart disease, chest pain, or those undergoing major surgeries.
• Mammogram and Breast Ultrasound: I nternational and local guidelines suggest that breast screening should begin after the age of 40 in women. Any woman who is considering aesthetic surgery who has a higher risk of breast cancer (family history, a cancer syndrome, past history of breast cancer) should have a breast screen as well. The most common method of reconstructing a mastectomy defect is to use a DIEP or TRAM flap, which is the abdominal skin removed in a tummy tuck procedure. Women who have had a tummy tuck cannot have a DIEP or TRAM breast reconstruction. We therefore recommend an up to date breast screen in women considering abdominoplasty surgery as well.

Other Tests

• Urinalysis: Detects kidney and bladder infections, diabetes, and can also reveal the presence of illegal drugs. Kidney function is crucial for processing medications and anaesthesia.
• White Blood Count (WBC): Diagnoses infections and monitors the effect of certain medications on white blood cells. A high WBC count may indicate infection or inflammation, requiring treatment before surgery.

Special Considerations

Depending on your medical history and the type of surgery, you may need additional tests:

• Liver and Kidney Function Tests: These tests ensure these organs are working properly, as they can affect anaesthesia and medication metabolism. Poor liver or kidney function can alter how your body handles drugs used during surgery.
• Pregnancy Test: For women of childbearing age to prevent any risk to an unborn baby. Anaesthesia and surgical procedures can pose risks to a foetus, so it’s crucial to know if a patient is pregnant.

Discussing Your Tests with Your Doctor

It’s important to discuss the necessity of each test with your healthcare provider. Some tests are routine, while others are ordered based on specific symptoms or medical history. If you have concerns about any test, address them before your surgery. Understanding why each test is necessary can help alleviate anxiety and ensure you are fully prepared.

Pre-surgical testing is a critical but routine step in your surgical journey, and it doesn’t need to be the cause of any anxiety. Being asked to undertake these tests also doesn’t mean that you’re at any greater risk in the surgery itself.

Instead, these tests help your medical team – including your female plastic surgeon Eastern Suburbs – to tailor the surgery and anaesthesia to your needs. Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions and complete all recommended tests well before your scheduled surgery. Proper preparation and clear communication with your healthcare team can significantly enhance your safety and recovery process.

Symmetry is a powerful concept that resonates deeply with our sense of beauty and harmony. It’s something that we regularly help customers with in our aesthetic surgery. Symmetry is often a central focus of our patients, and that is because it is closely associated with perceptions of health, vitality, and attractiveness.

So if you’re concerned about symmetry from an aesthetic perspective, don’t worry because you’re certainly not alone. Here we’ll dig into why people have a preference for symmetry, particularly in the context of aesthetic surgery, and explore how surgeons like your female plastic surgeon Eastern Suburbs strive to achieve balance and proportion to enhance a person’s appearance.

The Science of Symmetry

Symmetry refers to the balance and proportion of corresponding parts of an object or organism. In nature, symmetry is ubiquitous, from the bilateral symmetry of the human body to the radial symmetry of a flower. But why do we find symmetry so appealing?

Evolutionary Biology

One theory suggests that our preference for symmetry is rooted in evolutionary biology. Symmetrical features are often indicators of genetic health and reproductive fitness. As such, humans may be hardwired to prefer symmetrical faces and bodies as potential mates, associating them with good genes and a higher likelihood of producing healthy offspring. This biological predisposition can be seen across various cultures and time periods, where symmetrical features have consistently been celebrated in art, architecture, and personal aesthetics.

Neuroaesthetics

From a neurological standpoint, symmetrical objects are easier for the brain to process. Studies in neuroaesthetics—a field that investigates the neural basis for the appreciation of beauty—have shown that symmetrical images engage less cognitive effort, leading to a more pleasant and calming experience. When the brain perceives symmetry, it recognises patterns more effortlessly, which can evoke a sense of satisfaction and pleasure. This intrinsic ease of processing may explain why symmetrical designs and faces are often perceived as more attractive.

Symmetry in Aesthetic Surgery

In aesthetic surgery, symmetry is not just about mirroring one side of the body to the other; it’s about creating a balanced and harmonious appearance that enhances the individual’s natural features. Here’s how we approach symmetry for our customers:

Assessment and Planning

Surgeons begin with a thorough assessment of the patient’s anatomy, taking into account any asymmetries that may be present. They then devise a surgical plan that aims to correct imbalances while respecting the patient’s unique characteristics. This detailed planning process involves a combination of physical examinations, photographic analysis, and sometimes 3D imaging to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s features.

Subtle Changes, Significant Impact

Often, it’s the subtle changes that make the most significant difference. A slight adjustment to the nose, a gentle lift of the eyelids, or the contouring of the jawline can transform a person’s appearance.

Customised Approach

Every patient is different, and what constitutes symmetry for one may not apply to another. Surgeons must tailor their techniques to each individual, ensuring that the results are not only symmetrical but also aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking. This personalised approach requires a deep understanding of the patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, coupled with the surgeon’s vision and technical skill.

Psychological Well-being

Achieving facial or bodily symmetry is a goal for some patients considering plastic surgery. While some individuals may seek procedures for aesthetic balance, it is important to understand that outcomes vary and surgery is not a guaranteed solution for psychological or social concerns. A thorough surgical assessment includes screening for conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder and ensuring patients have realistic expectations. This approach supports patient safety and informed decision-making.

So in short, symmetry is at the heart of what we do. But it’s not about creating cookie-cutter results. It’s about enhancing a person’s inherent beauty by bringing balance to their features.

The pursuit of symmetry is delicate and requires a keen eye, skilled hands, and an understanding of the individual’s unique beauty. It starts with a conversation. If you have questions or concerns about your own symmetries in your body, then talk to the team. Working together, we can help to determine what the best path forward for you would be.