5'5, 200 lbs - Why can I not have a procedure done? (Photos)

Question

Bmi too high for breast augmentation and tummy tuck. I am 5’5 and 200 lbs, I am trying very hard to get to 180 but it is not happening. My question is why can I not have a procedure done? My weight is not just in my abdomen it is all over.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is likely trying to be as safe as possible. While your BMI (Body mass Index) is technically safe to proceed, it is at the upper limit of safety. It is very well documented in the plastic surgery literature that the higher the body mass index, the higher the complications. While mommy makeover is overall a safe procedure, it is imperative that all measures are taken preoperatively to maximize both cosmetic result and risk of complications. Lowering your weight will enhance your cosmetic result and lower the possibility of deep vein thrombosis and other complications.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. There is a Body Mass Index (BMI) requirement that patients must meet for the mommy makeover surgery. At my practice, the mommy makeover max BMI is 33. This is based on your height and weight. Based on the height and weight you provided, you are at 33.3 and do not meet our BMI requirement, which means you do not qualify for surgery at this time. Since you are over the BMI limit, I would recommend consulting with your primary care physician on a proper diet for you to bring down your BMI in order to be able to undergo the procedure. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take Care, Moises Salama MD, board certified plastic surgeon

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi, Thank you for the question and photos. 
Based on your current Height and Weight, your BMI is around 33-34 and it should still be safe to perform tummy tuck and breast augmentation. 
If you are able to lose additional weight prior to surgery, it will give you a better result and minimize the risk of wound healing complications.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Practical433939,
congrats on the weight loss! Generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery.If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You still can have the surgery done, but may have loose skin if you lose weight. You are over 60 pounds from a healthy weight.  You might want to start with liposuction,

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

My cutoff for these procedures is 35. You can have surgery safely as long as you don't have other uncontrolled medical conditions. It is best to visit in-person with a board-certified plastic surgeon to evaluate. Good luck!

Rhett N. Willis, Jr., MD · Answer

Keep in mind that a BMI less than 30 is the cut off for many plastic surgeons, but not all. Your results may not be as dramatic if you had less body mass index and more loose skin, but you certainly could have an improvement. My recommendation would be to seek a few second opinions from plastic surgeons and you may find one willing to operate on a BMI of 33. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are many factors when considering if someone is a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover.  BMI is just one of them.  Those that have a BMI of over 30 carry an increased risk of certain complications such as poor wound healing, seroma and infection.  Being at an ideal weight also allows your surgeon the opportunity to maximize your results.  Sometimes patients are still candidates for surgery despite a BMI above 30 but each case must be evaluated individually.  I encourage you to meet with a few board certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns and goals for surgery.

Jorge Galaz, MD · Answer

HI, BMI is only one of the many things we asses when we are considering if a patient is or is not a good candidate for surgery. If your labwork is ok and you get clearance from your primary care physician, I would say you are a great candidate for surgery. 
Sincerely, Dr. Galaz

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It should not be difficult to find a surgeon who is happy to give you breast implants and do a tummy tuck.
How many consultations have you had so far?
I suggest do you simply start scheduling consultations and here what each provider has to say. The more consultations you do the better your chance is a finding the right plastic surgeon in regards to skill and experience.
I seriously doubt that many will turn you down because of your BMI.
Schedule consultations as in person meetings rather than virtual.
During consultations ask providers to show their entire collection of before and after pictures to get a good idea I would average results look like. Simply seeing a handful of pre-selected sample pictures which most likely represent the best results of each provider‘s career is insufficient to get a clear understanding of what average results look like in the hands of each provider.
This is why patients should properly vet plastic surgeons by asking them to open up their portfolio and show as many before and after pictures as they’re willing or can. 
An experienced surgeon should have no difficulty showing you a minimum of 50 before and after pictures for each of these commonly performed procedures. Highly experienced surgeons will have 100s or even thousands of before and after pictures for each of these procedures.
Finally I recommend reading all reviews and various physician review websites avoiding providers for any significant number of justified negative reviews. The absence of justified negative reviews is more important and more telling than having an abundance of positive reviews. Find the right plastic surgeon and everything falls into place.
For tummy tux judge plastic surgeons based on who gets the most natural looking bellybuttons with a low set scar that follows anatommic contour naturally. You should also ask to see results from different angles including from behind. A quality tummy tuck should incorporate the appearance of the entire torso and the transition from treated it to untreated area especially in the hips waist and back area should look natural.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

5'5, 200 lbs - Why can I not have a procedure done? (Photos)

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