When measuring my height for BMI should I round up or down?

Question

I’m scheduled for a tummy tuck I’m May, my BMI needs to be at 36. My weight is 195 and my height is 5’1 1/2, when calculating my BMI I should I put my height as 5’1 or 5’2?

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello thomes321,
  
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! Plastic surgeons have different pre-operative requirements. Typically, for procedures that involve large incisions such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), it is ideal to achieve a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 30 to minimize your risks for complications, such as wound dehiscence and infection. The higher the BMI, the greater the risks. Based on the information you’ve shared about your height and weight, your current BMI estimate surpasses the range recommended for a safe and successful tummy tuck procedure and recovery. Set up an in-person consultation with your plastic surgeon to assess your candidacy for abdominoplasty based on your general health status, age, skin laxity, presence of stretch marks, and BMI, among other factors. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Long story short...use 5’1 because that will only help your results. If you want the long story keep reading...BMI is a general relation between height and weight. It doesn’t account for whether you have more muscle or fat. One of my employees is super fit and muscular with low body fat, but she falls in the “obese category” for BMI.  BMI also doesn’t reflect how much fat is above or below the muscle. Surgery only removes fat above the muscle layer. Finally, fat has less blood flow than muscle or skin, so the more fat you have at the time of surgery, the higher your risks of wound healing complications and fluid collections. I suggest losing as much weight as possible (in a healthy way!) before surgery to maximize your results and minimize your risk of having complications.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank  you for the question. i don't think it matters that much. My advice to you is that these numbers are general guidelines  Ideally, you would like your BMI to be less than
30-35, however, this decision is individualized based on your overall health
status and what procedure you are having among others. The closer you are to
your ideal body weight, the better the results of the surgery and the less
likelihood of perioperative complications. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Guillermo Lorenzo, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for the questions.MBI are the measures or parameters that indicate more or less if it is possible to undergo surgery or treat with a nutritionist until you have an adequate value in your weight in relation to height, in order to perform the procedure that the patient needs. They are norms established with the purpose of knowing if it is apt or not, with the purpose of security and the welfare of the patient. One more or one less does not determine that your PS is the one who will decide the best for you. Thank you and I hope that my answer will help you a lot. Good luck.Member of the International Society of Aesthetic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ISAPS)
Certified Plastic Surgeon with 26 years of experience.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

BMI is a very loose measurement. However, it is often the custom to round down for height. The manner that your weight is distributed is also important. Your surgeon will be best able to guide you as he/she knows you and the scope of surgery.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Really does not matter much since in my opinion any BI over 30 would not qualify fr office surgery in my private practice... In these non doctor owned clinics anything goes as long as the fees are paid. No care for the patient's safety. Maybe you show reconsider doing a TT surgery at that very high BMI.

When measuring my height for BMI should I round up or down?

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