Can BMI Affect Cosmetic Surgery Results?
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In today’s world, most men, women – and even children – are well educated on the dangers of obesity. From diabetes to heart disease, the risks associated with being overweight are profound. In addition to developing serious conditions like these, obesity can also interfere with a person’s ability to undergo certain cosmetic treatments and procedures. BMI, or body mass index, is a widely accepted standard for indicating whether someone is in a healthy or unhealthy weight range, and your BMI may play an important role in your eligibility for cosmetic surgery and the kinds of results you can expect.
Greater Salt Lake City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester (aka “Dr. Chiddy”) and the award-winning team at Jerry Chidester, MD Plastic & Hand Surgery in Draper, UT are committed to providing personalized care for each and every patient to ensure a safe procedure, comfortable recovery, and stunning results. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, make sure you understand how your BMI may impact your procedure with this helpful information.
What is BMI?
Your BMI, which stands for body mass index, is an indicator of your overall body size and is calculated using your height and weight. Having a BMI that is either too low or too high can have serious health implications, including osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and more. Ideally, a person’s BMI calculation should land them in the “healthy” weight range:
BMI Ranges
- <18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9: Healthy
- 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
- >30.0: Obese
Do I need to lose weight before having cosmetic surgery?
Generally speaking, ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery should be at a stable weight that falls within the healthy range on the BMI scale. Not only does this minimize the risk of perioperative and postoperative complications, but it usually also leads to a more pleasing surgical result overall. If you are considering cosmetic surgery but have a few pounds to lose, it is certainly advantageous to shed the excess weight before your procedure. However, it is also important to keep in mind that future weight gain can significantly impact your results. For this reason, patients who lose weight before cosmetic surgery should maintain their new, healthy weight for at least six months before the procedure is performed.
Can I have plastic surgery with a high BMI?
Patients with a BMI in the overweight or obese ranges may not be considered eligible for cosmetic surgery due to the potential risks associated with anesthesia and healing/recovery. However, BMI does not account for age, muscle mass, and other factors, meaning some patients with a slightly elevated BMI may not necessarily be “overweight” in an unhealthy sense. Additionally, patients with a markedly low BMI may not necessarily be healthier than those with a somewhat higher BMI and often have vitamin deficiencies and other risk factors.
During your initial consultation for cosmetic surgery in Draper, UT, Dr. Chiddy will take a thorough health history, evaluate important measurements, including your weight and BMI, and consider a number of variables to determine whether plastic surgery may be safe and successful for you.
What are the risks of plastic surgery with a high or low BMI?
Anesthesia, surgery, and the healing process can be complicated – or even dangerous – for patients whose BMI is too low or too high. These patients often have underlying health conditions, such as cardiovascular problems, that put them at greater risk during and after surgery. Furthermore, being overweight or otherwise in poor health can significantly compromise the final outcome of a procedure, leaving the patient feeling unsatisfied with their new look. Potential complications of undergoing cosmetic surgery with an unhealthy BMI include:
- Anesthesia risk
- Surgical risk
- Poor healing
- Delayed healing
- Slow recovery
- Increased inflammation and swelling
- Increased postoperative pain
- Unattractive scarring
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome
Considering plastic surgery in Draper, UT? Make sure your weight is stable and your BMI is in the healthy range first.
When you make the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery, there’s no doubt that you’re hoping for a successful procedure, speedy recovery, and the most stunning outcome possible. To achieve these things, it is essential that patients are in good health and at an appropriate, stable weight. To learn more about the importance of a healthy BMI for cosmetic surgery in Draper, UT, call the friendly team at Jerry Chidester, MD Plastic & Hand Surgery to schedule your private consultation with internationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester today!