A six-step patient assessment plan for abdominoplasty and liposuction

A thorough consultation before any aesthetic surgery is non-negotiable, but there are ways to ensure the content of that conversation is as beneficial as possible – both for you as a practitioner and the potential patient.

As with many procedures, assessing a patient for abdominoplasty or liposuction involves a thorough evaluation of their medical history, physical condition, aesthetic goals, and expectations.

For that reason, Dr Leonardo Fassano, Harley Medical Group’s body sculpting specialist, shares his six-step approach to ensure you don’t miss important considerations during assessment – including a patient’s psychological health. That way you can better ensure patient safety and satisfaction.

1. Medical History
   “We start with reviewing the patient's medical history, including any pre-existing medical conditions, previous surgeries, medications, and allergies. We would also identify any factors that could impact their suitability for surgery or anaesthesia.”
2. Body Composition
   “We then assess the patient's body composition, including their weight, body mass index (BMI), and distribution of fat deposits. We also use this to determine if the patient has localised fat deposits, loose skin, muscle laxity (diastasis recti), or a combination of these concerns.”
3. Aesthetic Goals
   “It’s important to understand the patient's desired outcome and expectations. We assess their understanding of the procedures, including the potential limitations and realistic outcomes.”
4. Physical Examination
   “We always conduct a physical examination to evaluate the abdominal area. We assess the amount of excess skin, muscle tone, and the presence of diastasis recti. We also identify the specific areas of concern and determine if they are suitable for liposuction or require a ‘tummy tuck’.”
5. Psychological Evaluation:
   “It’s incredibly important for us to also evaluate the patient's emotional readiness for surgery. We assess their motivations, body image concerns, and expectations for post-operative results. We always ensure they have realistic expectations and a healthy mindset.”
6. Risk Assessment
   “We evaluate the patient's overall health and determine if they are suitable candidates for surgery. We consider factors such as smoking habits, obesity, chronic illnesses, or any other conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery."

With this approach in mind, you can provide more confident recommendations on whether a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combination of procedures would be most suitable to achieve the patient's desired outcome.