I'm interested in a mommy makeover and curious on BMI requirements? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I'm interested in a mommy makeover and curious on BMI requirements. I'm 5'5.5" and 250lb. I would love a breast reduction and lift, as well as a tummy tuck. Not sure if I need muscle repair. Is it possible to get any of this covered by insurance with my BMI? I feel it would be so much easier to exercise without my apron in the way or feeling like I'm going to get knocked unconscious by my breasts if I don't wear at least two sports bras.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Your BMI should be no higher than 32. Once you reach this,  your insurance copy may cover your breast reduction. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Corey Harkins, MD · Answer

Your BMI is 41.6, and the criteria for our outpatient surgery center is a BMI less than 40. 240 pounds would put you below that threshold. Insurance would likely cover the breast reduction (the lift is part of the reduction procedure), but they don't cover a tummy tuck. In circumstances where the abdominal pannus hangs to the mid thighs along with documented infections in the fold, insurance will usually cover a panniculectomy. Is is my opinion that proceeding with the tummy tuck and breast lift is too risky to be done in 1 surgery and would recommend 2 stages. Best of luck! -Dr. Harkins

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mnmamax4,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a mommy makeover, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery.If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Patients with a BMI over 40 typically do not qualify for elective plastic surgery as their risk of surgical complications are usually too high during and after surgery. Breast reductions which are medically necessary (i.e. you suffer back, shoulder, and neck "pain" with DOCUMENTED medical attention over a period of a YEAR) are typically covered by medical insurance. Your weight may not restrict you from having the BR. While recovering from your BR, work with your PCP and/or a trainer to discuss exercises you will be able to do without experiencing pain. Your main focus should be on improving your health and losing weight to reach a BMI of 35 or less to become a candidate for a TT with diastasis recti repair.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Although a breast reduction procedure would be a good option for you, your current height and weight dictates continued weight loss prior to any body contouring procedure.  This will not only improve your surgical results but also maintain an improved level of safety. Hope this helps.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and frustrations, however you really need to lower your BMI to around 30 for safety reasons and to obtain the best possible result from your tummy tuck surgery. It appears from your photos that breast reduction is an excellent option for you and it should be covered by your health insurance. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to explore the best options for you. Good luck.

Anna De Leo, MD · Answer

DearThanks for the question 
Many patients visit practice with high BMI and ask for surgery Is important to have a good health status to be operated and options will be considered We got many alternatives and guides to help patients to achieve the BMI desired by surgeon Reduce weight help to avoid bad surgical complications Insurance will need more details to consider the case, plastic surgery practices can help on the process BwA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on the information given it is best for you to lose weight prior to considering elective plastic surgery.  Safety is always the number one priority and those with a BMI above 30 are at greater risk for complications such as poor wound healing, infection, and seroma.  From your photos it appears you would benefit from a breast reduction.  This is sometimes covered by insurance based on the parameters of your policy.  A lift is part of the breast reduction procedure.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At your current weight you are not a great candidate for cosmetic surgery. Obese patients have higher complication rates and get less impressive results.

Ideally you should get to a recommended healthy weight which in your case should be around 140 pounds.
If that is not possible then do the best you can and any amount of weight you lose well overall make you a better candidate.

Each plastic surgeon will have their own comfort level in regards to how much weight you would need to lose before becoming an acceptable candidate for these procedures.

I think 180 pounds is probably a reasonable figure.

Basically the more weight you lose the better of a candidate you’ll be for surgery in regards to minimizing the chance of wound healing complications and potentially life-threatening medical complications.

Your results will also be much better if you can lose weight first.

Consider talking to your primary care doctor to see if they have any recommendations on weight loss or find local support groups like weight watchers or overeaters anonymous.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

I'm interested in a mommy makeover and curious on BMI requirements? (Photos)

Answers (9)

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