International patients often receive a list of “required BBL labs” online and assume every clinic orders the same panel. That is not how preoperative evaluation should work. Plastic-surgery guidance says patients may need laboratory testing or a medical evaluation, but the exact tests depend on the procedure, health history, medications, age, symptoms, pregnancy possibility and the clinician's judgment.
Think decision tree, not universal checklist
Examples onlyWhy the test list varies
Two patients booking the same named procedure can have different preoperative needs. One may be young, healthy and take no medications. Another may have anemia history, hypertension, prior clotting concerns, a recent illness, prescription medications or symptoms that require additional evaluation.
The same is true of the surgery itself. A limited procedure and a longer combination surgery are not identical preoperative situations.
Common examples are not automatic requirements
Depending on the situation, a surgical team may request a blood count, tests related to clotting, metabolic testing, pregnancy testing, an electrocardiogram or another medical evaluation. The important word is may. Do not assume you need every test you see in somebody else's BBL checklist, and do not assume a short list means your evaluation is complete.
Medication and supplement review is part of pre-op
ASPS guidance emphasizes reviewing prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements. Some may affect bleeding, clotting, anesthesia or other parts of surgical care. Do not stop a prescription medication on your own. Give the clinical team an accurate list and follow their instructions.
Nicotine matters
Plastic-surgery preoperative guidance commonly instructs patients to stop smoking before surgery. If you smoke, vape, use nicotine pouches or use nicotine replacement, tell the surgeon rather than assuming only cigarettes count. Ask how the practice handles nicotine testing and how long they require abstinence before and after surgery.
Plan the timing of tests before you travel
Ask whether labs can be completed in your home country, how recent they must be, which results need to be sent before you fly, and whether any testing is repeated in Medellin. If a result is abnormal, you want enough time for the surgeon to review it before you are committed to a non-refundable trip.
Know what happens if you are not cleared
Ask the clinic's written policy for a surgery postponed or cancelled for medical reasons. Does the deposit move to a later date? Are facility or lab fees refundable? Will the surgeon recommend follow-up with another clinician? This is both a medical-planning and financial question.
Bring the actual results
Keep copies of your test results, medication list, relevant specialist notes and any requested imaging. If the team asks you to repeat a test, ask why rather than assuming the first result was ignored; timing, laboratory standards or a changed clinical situation may matter.
This guide is for comparison and travel-planning purposes. It cannot determine whether surgery is appropriate for you or replace advice from clinicians who know your history.
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FAQ
Is there one standard BBL lab panel for every patient?
No. Preoperative testing should be individualized. A clinic may have routine protocols, but the surgeon can add, remove or repeat testing based on your history and surgical plan.
Should I stop aspirin, supplements or prescription drugs before surgery?
Only according to the instructions of the clinicians responsible for your care. Do not stop prescribed medication because of a generic online checklist.
Can I do my pre-op tests at home before flying to Colombia?
Often some testing can be done before travel, but ask the clinic which tests it accepts, how recent they must be and whether anything will be repeated locally.
MedellinBBL.co is an independent information and referral service, not a clinic. We do not diagnose, prescribe, certify providers, or provide emergency care. If you have urgent postoperative symptoms, seek appropriate medical care rather than relying on a website or messaging service.