Do You Qualify for Plastic Surgery?

When you have your preliminary consultation with a plastic surgeon, he or she will evaluate whether or not you are a viable candidate for surgery. Your surgeon will consider a variety of health-related factors, including your weight or, more specifically, your body mass index (BMI).

Body Mass Index

Select your height:

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Enter Your Weight: Pounds

Your Body Mass Index Is:

BMI is a reliable measure of body fat that applies to both adult men and women. The number is calculated from a person's weight and height and it is widely used as a quick, easy and inexpensive screening method for potential health problems. To save you the math, you can enter your weight and height in our BMI calculator and get your number instantaneously. Once you have it, find your category below.

BMI Categories: Where do you fall?

BMI = 18 or less: You may be underweight for your height. Several factors, including smoking, poor nutrition, and eating disorders can cause a person to be underweight. Any or all of these factors increase the risks of surgery, so you should consult with your doctor about your overall health before committing to plastic surgery.

BMI = 19 to 24: This is considered the normal range for body fat. Most people who are at a healthy weight for their height are considered good candidates for plastic surgery, although other factors will also be considered.

BMI = 25 to 29: A BMI in this range puts you in the overweight category. For many procedures, like liposuction, a plastic surgeon may advise you to be within 20 to 30 pounds of your healthy weight range before surgery (roughly a BMI between 28 and 33).

BMI = 30 to 39: If your BMI falls in this range, you are considered to be obese and at high risk for developing weight-related health problems. Your surgeon will probably recommend that you lose some weight before surgery.

BMI = 40 and above: People with BMIs in this range are considered morbidly obese. They are at high risk for potentially fatal weight-related health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems. Morbidly obese people are unlikely candidates for plastic surgery.

Although BMI is considered to be a reliable indicator of body fatness, there are variations related to sex, race, and age. For example, at the same BMI, women tend to have more body fat than men, and older people tend to have more body fat than younger adults.

BMI also does not factor in frame size or muscularity. A large frame weighs more than a small frame of the same height, and a highly-trained athlete may have a higher BMI because muscle weighs more than fat.

Plastic surgery procedures like liposuction, abdominoplasty, and lifts (thigh, body, arm) do not take the place of losing weight. There are other means for that, including diet, exercise, and weight loss surgery. If you are overweight and considering these or any other cosmetic procedures, the best advice is to lose the weight before surgery. If you have the surgery first and then lose weight, you may need to redo the surgery at a later date.

Other Considerations

Any plastic surgeon you consult will want you to be in good health prior to surgery. Improving yourself and feeling good about yourself are wonderful motivations, but they're secondary to you being healthy enough to handle the rigors of surgery and recovery. That's why it's important that you are honest with your surgeon about your medical history. Weight issues aside, some of the other lifestyle choices he or she will ask about include:

Smoking – If you smoke, it's best to quit for the 2 weeks before and after your surgery – or forever, if you can manage it. In addition to causing lung problems, smoking can create problems during anesthesia and slows the healing process.

Diet and Exercise -- Do you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that's high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables and low in fat? Do you exercise regularly? Both help make you a good candidate for surgery.

Chronic Conditions – These typically include diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), circulatory problems, heart conditions, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung problems. Diabetics need to have their blood sugar levels under control before surgery, and they need to be aware that they will heal more slowly than nondiabetics. Heart, circulatory, and lung problems increase your risk of complications during surgery.

Medications – Certain medications and supplements, including prescription and over-the-counter products, should be avoided before and after surgery to ensure an optimal outcome. Bring to your consultation a list of all medications and supplements that you take on a regular basis. Your surgeon will review it and instruct you on how to proceed.

To discuss plastic surgery qualifications, call a TrustedPlasticSurgery customer representative at 1-877-281-2479, or send us an email by filling out the form to the right.

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