Does Plastic Surgery Count?

"Off the Record Q & A with a Local A.M.E."

Dr. Larry

Question: "Dr. Larry, I am considering plastic surgery. Will I need to report this surgery on the 8500-8 application form the next time I apply for my airman medical certificate?"

Answer: Great question, especially since the number of people having plastic surgery the past 10 years has grown dramatically, including more Men 'Nipping and Tucking' than ever before.

Technically, the answer is yes. Plastic surgery, unlike a routine physical or eye exam, is an invasive procedure where an incision, imperceptible are not, is made to correct or improve a physical attribute.

Thus, the surgery should be noted in Question 18x and again in Question 19, assuming it was within the past three years. (Any box checked yes in question 18 will always continue to be yes.)

Beyond the question of plastic surgery, the general question of what office visits or procedures to put down is one of the most common questions AME's are asked. I'm sure the top 4 reasons are:

1. They fear losing their medical certification.
2. Pilots believe it's none of the FAA's business
3. Pilots don't want to spend time filling in the history
4. Pilots believe most healthcare interactions are not relevant to the certification process

These are all valid points and I sympathize with pilot’s frustration. The FAA likewise recognizes most surgeries and other items noted in questions 18 and 19 will be of non-significance. Nonetheless, they are solely responsible for assessing the significance to aviation safety of procedures, illnesses, disabilities, etc, which means they will continue to require documentation.

As the world of medicine and aviation safety evolves, out-dated and archaic procedures and concepts will remain in play. Governmental bureaucracy moves with the speed of molasses and the FAA is no different when it comes to policy changes, in large part due to the legal ramifications, not because the human beings assisting pilots desire the status quo. As individuals, many are pilots themselves and those I’ve talked to over the years also feel the frustration.

When questions arise while filling out your 8500 -8, I recommend calling your AME to discuss the concern, remember it's a legal document and error on the side of openness. Pilots place themselves in jeopardy when going against standard operating procedures. This component of aviation safety is no different.

To your good health,

Dr. Larry

Dr. Larry Greenblatt

Heart Attack, Stroke and Diabetes Prevention

Sports medicine and Family Practice

http://www.cmadoc.com/

"Concierge healthcare that's all about you! "
Care Medical Associates, PLLC
1407 116th Ave. NE, Suite 102
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.637.0636