My BMI is 32, I am 5'9" and I weigh about 219. I am getting a MMO. Do I need to get my BMI lower?

Hi & thanks for your question!
It is best to be at a stable, healthy weight prior to surgery. Schedule a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

In my practice I look for a BMI approximating 30 to lessen the risks of complications during and after surgery and to  enhance the results of the procedures. A BMI of 35 is probably the upper  limit that a plastic surgeon would consider for this procedure. It is  best to be within 10 pounds of your weight goal for three months prior  to the BBL. Dieting and exercise should help you lower your BMI.

If you realistically can lower your bmi, it would be great. If you are really stuck at that weight it would be okay to go for the surgery now. Without pictures, it is hard to advise further than that
Good luck

I have operated on patients with a BMI of 32 with excellent results.  It is certainly more desirable to have a lower weight.  If you are not planning future pregnancies, the technique I recommend for a tummy tuck is abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement.  The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.  At the same time, a breast lift can be done.  The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear kjhandy4,
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 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

I appreciate your concerns and frustrations and photos would help to provide a more detailed answer. Generally speaking, it is helpful to lower your BMI to 30 or less prior to mommy makeover surgery for safety reasons and to maximize results. Studies show increased complications after this type of surgery with a BMI over 30. However, if your weight has plateaued even with a sensible diet and exercise program, you are probably close enough to go ahead with the surgery. Discuss your concerns and options with your board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Thank you for sharing your question.  Without photographs to assess what treatment in a mommy makeover that you are interested in, it is difficult to offer definite advice.  For most patients improved surgical results and a reduction in overall risks, occurs with a BMI of 30 and below.  Hope this helps.

If you are wanting to optimize your results it is best if you can lower your BMI to below 30.  This also lowers your risk of complications such as poor wound healing, seroma, and infection.  We welcome you to visit us in our Houston office for a consultation!

Certainly it would be ideal if your BMI were below 30 prior to any body contouring surgery. If significant weight loss is delayed until after surgery, then loose skin and droopy breasts can result and you may require additional surgery. You are probably close enough to your desired BMI to proceed but you should discuss this in detail with your surgeon. Please select a plastic surgeon board certified by the ?American Board of Plastic Surgeons and preferably a member of ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons).

Thanks for your question about mommy makeover.  In general it is best to get your BMI to 30 or less for optimal results.  I also advise patients to get to a weight they believe they can maintain because if you take good care of yourself and maintain your weight your surgical results will be lasting.In some cases patients can have slightly higher BMI up to 32 or 33 if they have a muscular build and still be good candidates for mommy makeover procedures.  A consult with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended and this can be done in a virtual setting or in person.Best Wishes