BMI - 14.8. Will I be able to have a rhinoplasty if I’m underweight?

Question

I have a surgery scheduled for September and I’m 5’3.5/5’4 and 39kg with a bmi of 14.8. I have already paid for my surgery but will I be denied from receiving the procedure?

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

A BMI of 14.8 is very low, and yes, it may affect whether your surgeon and anesthesiologist are willing to proceed with elective rhinoplasty.
Being significantly underweight can increase risks with anesthesia, wound healing, infection, low blood pressure, poor temperature control, nutritional deficiency, delayed recovery, and overall surgical stress. Even though rhinoplasty is not usually a high-blood-loss surgery, it is still elective surgery under anesthesia.
Whether you will be denied depends on your overall health, labs, nutrition, medical history, reason for being underweight, and the policies of the surgical facility. Some surgeons may postpone surgery until you are medically optimized or cleared by your primary doctor.
Because your surgery is scheduled soon and already paid for, you should contact your surgeon now rather than waiting until the day of surgery. Ask directly if your BMI is acceptable for anesthesia and whether you need medical clearance, blood work, or nutritional evaluation.
My advice would be to prioritize safety over timing. If your surgeon or anesthesiologist recommends delaying the procedure until your weight and nutrition are healthier, that is a medically responsible decision&mdash;not a rejection. Elective rhinoplasty is best done when your body is strong enough to heal well.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. This will depend on if you are able to obtain medical clearance from your primary physician . I also recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained board certified plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained board certified plastic surgeon

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on my experience performing rhinoplasty on an underweight patient without other health issues is acceptable. You should discuss this issue with your PCP and a plastic surgeon ahead of surgery. Good luck.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

This is something you should be asking your surgeon and their anesthetic team.                                                                        .

BMI - 14.8. Will I be able to have a rhinoplasty if I’m underweight?

Answers (4)

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