Why Does My Ear Feel Clogged? Causes, Relief Tips & When to Get It Checked
That muffled, underwater, pressure-filled sensation in your ear is uncomfortable and distracting and it usually isn’t dangerous. In most cases, a clogged ear is caused by earwax buildup, swelling from a cold or allergies, or a eustachian tube that isn’t equalizing pressure properly. Less often, it can signal an ear infection, fluid buildup, or rarely […]
Can My Pre-Op Results Be Sent Directly to My Plastic Surgeon?
Yes, your pre-operative results and medical clearance can be sent directly to your plastic surgeon’s office by the urgent care clinic, diagnostic center, or laboratory performing your evaluation. Direct coordination between facilities prevents communication breakdowns, ensures compliance with HIPAA privacy standards, and keeps your surgical timeline on track. At Sahara West Urgent Care, our clinical […]
Can I Get Pre-Op Clearance if My Surgery Is Only a Few Days Away?
Yes, you can still get last-minute pre-op clearance when your surgery is only a few days away, but you must act immediately to complete required testing. Primary care physicians often have weeks-long waiting lists, making walk-in urgent care centers the fastest option to secure official medical clearance and prevent surgical delays or cancellations. At Sahara […]
Do Medications or Supplements Affect Plastic Surgery Clearance?
Yes, certain medications and supplements directly affect plastic surgery clearance by increasing bleeding risks, altering anesthesia processing, or interfering with wound healing. During a pre-op clearance evaluation, your provider reviews your full medication profile to determine which substances must be paused before surgery to ensure patient safety. At Sahara West Urgent Care, our medical providers […]
Can Smoking Affect My Readiness for Plastic Surgery?
Yes, smoking significantly compromises your readiness and overall safety for plastic surgery, often leading to medical disqualification or mandatory surgical postponement. Plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists strictly evaluate nicotine use because chemicals in tobacco and vaping products constrict blood vessels, reduce oxygen delivery to tissues, and drastically increase the risk of severe surgical complications. Nicotine directly […]
Can a Recent Illness Affect My Plastic Surgery Clearance?
Can a Recent Illness Affect My Plastic Surgery Clearance? Yes, a recent illness can directly affect your plastic surgery clearance by triggering a postponement or requiring a full medical re-evaluation. Plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists prioritize patient safety, and recent infections or systemic illnesses significantly increase the risk of surgical complications, airway spasms under anesthesia, impaired […]
Can Diabetes Affect Medical Clearance for Plastic Surgery?
Yes, diabetes can directly affect medical clearance for plastic surgery, but it is not an automatic disqualifier. Plastic surgeons require a thorough evaluation before elective procedures because unmanaged diabetes increases the risks of delayed wound healing, post-operative infections, tissue necrosis, and dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar under anesthesia. However, if your diabetes is well-controlled and […]
Can High Blood Pressure Delay Plastic Surgery?
Yes, uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) can delay or postpone elective plastic surgery until your blood pressure readings are safely brought into a stable range. Elevated blood pressure during surgery significantly increases the risk of serious medical complications, including excessive intraoperative bleeding, hematoma formation, altered anesthesia reactions, and cardiovascular strain. At Sahara West Urgent Care, […]
Can I Take My Regular Medications Before a Pre-Op Appointment?
Yes, in most cases, you should continue taking your regular prescription medications leading up to your pre-op evaluation appointment, as this consultation is designed to assess your standard baseline health. However, you must always verify your specific list with your physician before stopping or continuing any maintenance drugs. The main purpose of a pre-operative physical […]
What Should I Bring to a Pre-Op Clearance Appointment?
Bring your surgeon’s pre-operative clearance forms, a complete list of current prescription and over-the-counter medications (including dosages), your primary photo ID, health insurance cards, and any recent relevant medical records, such as prior ECGs or cardiac evaluations. Having all required documentation ready ensures your provider can complete your physical examination, order necessary diagnostic lab tests, […]