If you are considering getting plastic surgery and have been researching plastic surgery procedures, clinics, and surgeons, you have likely come across the term “body mass index,” or BMI, multiple times. Body mass index is a very important measure that must be evaluated in patients before they can be approved for plastic surgery. But what exactly is a BMI, and how can patients calculate it?
What is a BMI?
Body mass index is a way to measure a person’s body composition. Although BMI is not a perfect analysis of a person’s weight class and overall health, is a convenient rule of thumb used to broadly categorize a person as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on tissue mass (muscle, fat, and bone) and height. Commonly accepted BMI ranges are underweight (under 18.5), normal weight (18.5 to 25), overweight (25 to 30), and obese (over 30).
How do I Calculate my BMI?
To calculate your BMI, take your height in inches and divide it by your weight in pounds. The online BMI calculator linked here can help you figure out what your current body mass index is. Your plastic surgery clinic will need to know your BMI in order to make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure of your choice. After you book your plastic surgery, you will need to make sure you maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine in order to keep your BMI consistent.
Why is BMI Important for Plastic Surgery?
Body mass index is important for plastic surgery because it is a good indicator of the overall health of the patient. Patients with a higher BMI have more risks during surgery than those with a BMI in the normal weight class. Some of these risks include anesthesia complications, heart attack, wound infection and nerve injury. Additionally, patients with a higher BMI may receive less than ideal results from their procedure. Ultimately, BMIs are calculated for the benefit of the patient’s health, safety and happiness.
BMI Requirements at Mia Aesthetics
At Mia Aesthetics, body mass index for all surgeries except tummy tucks and combo procedures must be lower than 34 upon arrival for surgery. BMI for tummy tuck and combo procedures, like a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and a breast augmentation, for example, must be 32 or less. On the day before your surgery, our nurses will evaluate you and make sure you are in good health for your upcoming procedure. If your BMI is higher than where it needs to be at this time, we may have to cancel or postpone your procedure.
How to Lower your BMI
If your BMI is currently too high for the cosmetic surgery you would like done, don’t fret! There is still plenty of hope for you to get your BMI down and have the procedure of your dreams. We have many patients who have changed their lifestyle, started an exercise program, and been able to have plastic surgery with us. Aside from allowing you to have the cosmetic surgery you want, lowering your BMI can improve your overall health and happiness. We advise our patients to stick to a diet that includes lots of liquids, whole foods, foods high in fiber, healthy fats and foods low in sodium in order to lower their BMI in time for surgery.
In Conclusion
Body mass index is an important measure of a person’s body composition. Plastic surgeons require patients to calculate their BMI to make sure they are good candidates for the procedure they would like done. Patients with a higher BMI have more risks during surgery than those with a BMI in the normal weight class. At Mia Aesthetics, body mass index for all surgeries except tummy tucks and combo procedures must be lower than 34 upon arrival for surgery. BMI for tummy tuck and combo procedures, like a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and a breast augmentation, for example, must be 32 or less. If your BMI is currently too high for the procedure you would like done, there is still plenty of hope for you to lower your BMI. By slowly implementing diet changes and committing to a regular exercise schedule, you may soon be ready to have the plastic surgery procedure of your dreams.