Does Your BMI Matter If You Want Liposuction?
When it comes to liposuction, or any body sculpting procedure, plastic surgeons look at the patients BMI, or body mass index. Your BMI is a measurement of body fat based on your height and weight. Numbers greater than 30 put you into the obese category, and, when it comes to surgery, this can increase your risk of complications.
While liposuction addresses body fat, it is only designed to sculpt and contour. Reaching your ideal weight and BMI is often a requirement for liposuction and is often necessary to achieve your desired results.
Reaching a Healthy Weight is Ideal
Liposuction is designed to remove stubborn fat cells and sculpt the body, not to remove fat cells as a form of weight loss. If you are overweight, chances are liposuction will not provide you with the desired results.
Your goal would be to follow a healthy diet and regular exercise to lower your weight and BMI and maintain a healthy stable weight. After you accomplish this, liposuction can be used to help reduce the stubborn fat that remains.
High BMI Can Affect Healing and Complications
Liposuction is a surgical procedure and, as with any procedure, comes with risks. BMIs over 30 can increase the risk of complications during surgery, such as problems with anesthesia. Increased weight can increase the risk of sleep apnea which can reduce your levels of oxygen during the procedure.
Higher BMIs can also contribute to problems with your lipo recovery. In addition, chances are you will not be able to achieve your desired outcome until you reach a healthy weight and lower your BMI.
When a Higher BMI Is Okay
While BMI numbers are important, Dr. Nein will look at all areas of your health. If you are an athlete that lifts weights on a regular basis, for example, you may have a higher BMI number than is ideal. This is because your increased muscle mass weighs more. In this case, a high BMI does not mean high fat levels and does not increase your risk of surgical complications.
When it comes to BMI and liposuction, talk with Dr. Nein and see what he is comfortable with and what he recommends. While we understand you want to look your best, safety must always come first.
Author’s Bio
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Alexander Nein trained in plastic surgery at Vanderbilt University and in general surgery at Louisiana State University. Dr. Nein has co-authored several articles, appearing in the Journal of Trauma, Cardiovascular Surgery and The Louisiana State Medical Society Journal. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.