Genetic Testing

GENETIC TESTING PRIOR TO PLASTIC SURGERY MAY OPTIMIZE RESULTS

Before certain plastic surgery procedures, it is possible via genetic testing to predict your response to surgery and to pain medications.  Genetic testing analyzes specific features of your genetic profile from a cheek swab sampled in our office to discover in advance how you metabolize pain medicine, your blood clotting profile, and other personalized characteristics to offer you a more comfortable and a safer surgical experience.

Personalized genomic testing provides information about your drug metabolism biochemical pathways.  Also, genetic markers for blood clotting factors are analyzed to learn if you are pre-disposed to abnormal clot formation, or “deep venous thrombosis (DVT).”  Although your blood must clot during surgery, abnormally active clotting factors may cause clots (thrombi) to form within your veins.  If your profile indicates high risk for thrombosis, additional measures to the usual preventive measures (compression stockings, inflatable boots) may be indicated.

At your pre-surgical appointment, a Q-tip® type cotton applicator rubbed on the inside of your cheek collects saliva with a few of your cells.  That swab is sent to a clinical genetic laboratory, where your DNA is analyzed for several specific markers related to your upcoming surgical procedure.  You will be informed of the outcome if you wish before surgery, and your treatment will be planned and adjusted accordingly.