Can I have a BBL with a BMI above 33?

Question

This may seem like a crazy question. I am 5” even and 178lbs. The situation is, I like being on the thicker side as I do not want to be skinny. I’ve undergone 2 c sections. The problem is I have a large beer belly and a very flat unsightly buttocks and hip dips. I want to stay the size that I am but just reduce the size of my stomach and enlarge my backside. Is that a possibility? Also can this be performed under local anesthesia? It’s airsculpt considered to be more safe than a traditional bbl?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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.
You do not necessarily need general anesthesia, but I do think it is a better patient experience. I have performed many of these procedures with local and sedation, but it is certainly not for everyone and risk benefit analysis must be performed for each patient. You want the most dramatic transformation possible, and you do not want to be in pain.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's very important to be healthy before surgery. To avoid risks, most Plastic Surgeons have set a BMI limit between 29-35.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Stephlynnwill,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a surgery, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you change 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

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
Right now your BMI is 35 and it needs to be 33 or less, for you to be considered a good candidate for plastic surgery.
In general, you need to be physically healthy and at a stable weight, have realistic expectations and be a non-smoker. l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I have met people who claim that they like being overweight but I’ve never met anybody who successfully lost weight and didn’t appreciate being at a healthier weight.

Your BMI should not exclude you from having the procedure does some plastic surgeons may want you to drop some weight. It just depends on the individual provider. Some providers use a BMI of 30  as being more appropriate.
You’ll need to start having consultations and see what each individual provider has to say.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Can I have a BBL with a BMI above 33?

Answers (5)