How to get an Ultrasound before Plastic Surgery

You may be required to undergo an ultrasound for various reasons related to your plastic surgery journey. This page aims to provide you with all the necessary information and resources to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when preparing for and undergoing an ultrasound examination.

Why Ultrasounds are Important for Plastic Surgery Patients

Ultrasounds play an important role in the field of plastic surgery, as they provide valuable insights into the soft tissue structures and blood flow within the body. These insights are essential for both diagnosing conditions and planning surgical procedures. By using high-frequency sound waves, ultrasounds create detailed images of the targeted area, allowing your plastic surgeon to assess the underlying tissues, muscles, and blood vessels.

One of the key benefits of ultrasounds is their ability to help diagnose various conditions that may impact the success of plastic surgery procedures. For example, ultrasounds can detect the presence of blood clots, which is essential for patients undergoing procedures such as a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty or liposuction. By identifying any potential complications beforehand, your surgeon can take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and success of your surgery.

In addition to their diagnostic capabilities, ultrasounds are also valuable in planning surgical procedures. By providing detailed images of the targeted area, ultrasounds enable your surgeon to create a precise surgical plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. This level of precision is crucial in achieving optimal results and minimising the risk of complications.

Another significant advantage of ultrasounds is that they are non-invasive and do not use ionising radiation. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasounds do not expose patients to harmful radiation, making them a safer option for patients who require frequent imaging. This is particularly important for plastic surgery patients who may need multiple ultrasounds throughout their treatment journey.

Preparing for Your Ultrasound Appointment

To ensure a smooth and efficient ultrasound experience, it is essential to properly prepare for your appointment. The first step in this process is to obtain a referral from your plastic surgeon. This referral will provide the necessary information to the imaging centre, including the specific area to be examined and any relevant medical history.

Once you have obtained your referral, the next step is to contact the imaging centre to schedule your appointment. It is important to call well in advance to ensure that you can secure a convenient time slot that fits your schedule. When scheduling your appointment, be sure to ask about any specific instructions you need to follow prior to the examination.

Depending on the area being examined, the imaging centre may provide you with specific instructions to follow before your appointment. These instructions may include fasting for a certain period, avoiding certain medications, or wearing loose-fitting clothing. It is crucial to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the accuracy of your ultrasound results.

On the day of your appointment, make sure to bring your referral and any relevant medical records. These documents will provide the radiologist with important information about your medical history and the reason for your ultrasound. Having this information readily available will help streamline the examination process and ensure that the radiologist has all the necessary information to provide an accurate assessment.

Recommended Imaging Centres in Perth

When it comes to getting an ultrasound in Perth, it is essential to choose a reputable imaging centre that offers high-quality services and experienced staff. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of eight reputable imaging centres located in West Perth. Please note that while these centres are highly recommended, it is always best to consult with Dr. Guy Watts’ office for their preferred imaging centre to ensure seamless communication and coordination of your care.

Perth Radiological Clinic – Subiaco

• Address: 127 Hamersley Road, Subiaco WA
• Phone: 1300 567 046
• Website: https://perthradclinic.com.au/

SKG Radiology West Perth

• Address: Suite 3, Ground Floor, 1 Havelock Street, West Perth WA 6005
• Phone: (08) 9420 4304
• Website: https://www.skg.com.au/

Envision Medical Imaging – Subiaco

• Address: Wembley, 178-190 Cambridge St (Opposite St. John of God, Subiaco)
• Phone: (08) 6382 3888
• Website: https://envisionmi.com.au/

Western Radiology – Morley

• Address: 133 Russell St, Morley WA 6062
• Phone: (08) 9200 2777
• Website: https://wradi.com.au/locations/

Each of these imaging centres is well-equipped to provide high-quality ultrasound services and has a team of experienced radiologists and sonographers. When scheduling your appointment, be sure to mention that you are a patient of your plastic surgeon to ensure that the imaging centre is aware of any specific requirements or protocols.

It is also a good idea to check with your health insurance provider to ensure that the imaging centre you choose is covered under your plan. Some imaging centres may have different out-of-pocket costs or requirements, so it is important to clarify these details before your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns about the recommended imaging centres or the ultrasound process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office for guidance. We will be more than happy to assist you in choosing the best imaging centre for your specific needs and ensuring that you receive the highest quality care throughout your plastic surgery journey.

What to Expect During the Ultrasound

On the day of your ultrasound appointment, you will be greeted by the staff at the imaging centre. A sonographer, a trained professional who specialises in performing ultrasounds, will guide you through the procedure. The ultrasound procedure itself is generally straightforward and painless, and it typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined.

To begin the ultrasound, you will be asked to lie down on a comfortable examination table. The sonographer will then apply a clear, water-based gel to the skin over the area being examined. This gel helps to create a smooth surface for the transducer, a small handheld device that emits and receives ultrasound waves, to glide easily over the skin. The gel also helps to eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin, which can interfere with the quality of the ultrasound images.

Once the gel is applied, the sonographer will gently press the transducer against your skin and move it over the area being examined. As the transducer moves, it emits high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the body’s tissues. These sound waves bounce back to the transducer, creating echoes that are then converted into detailed images of the internal structures.

Throughout the procedure, the sonographer will capture various images of the targeted area from different angles. These images will be displayed on a monitor in real-time, allowing the sonographer to adjust the transducer’s position as needed to obtain the clearest possible pictures. The radiologist, a medical doctor who specialises in interpreting medical images, will then review these images to assess the condition of the underlying tissues, muscles, and blood vessels.

During the ultrasound, you may be asked to change positions or hold your breath for short periods to help the sonographer obtain the best possible images. While the pressure from the transducer may feel slightly uncomfortable at times, the procedure is generally painless. If you experience any significant discomfort, be sure to inform the sonographer so they can adjust their technique accordingly.

After the Ultrasound

Once your ultrasound is complete, the sonographer will wipe away the gel from your skin, and you will be free to go about your day as usual. There is no special recovery time needed after an ultrasound, and you can resume your normal activities immediately.

The images captured during your ultrasound will be carefully reviewed and interpreted by the radiologist. They will create a detailed report of their findings, which will be sent to your plastic surgeon for review. This process typically takes a few days, but the exact timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the imaging centre’s protocols.

After your plastic surgeon receives your ultrasound results, his office will contact you to schedule a follow-up appointment. During this appointment, your surgeon will discuss the findings of your ultrasound in detail and explain any implications they may have for your plastic surgery treatment plan. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions, voice any concerns, and work with your surgeon to determine the next steps in your care.

Depending on the results of your ultrasound, your plastic surgeon may recommend additional tests, adjust your surgical plan, or proceed with your treatment as originally intended.

FAQs about How to Get an Ultrasound in Perth

More Patient Resources

• Read more about Day of Your Surgery
• Read more about Recovery after Plastic Surgery
• Read more about Risks and Complications
• Read more about Pre-procedure Preparation
• Read more about Losing Weight before Plastic Surgery