Can I get a rhinoplasty if my BMI is 16?

Question

hi everyone my bmi is low 16s, i’m 100 pounds and 5’6. i was wondering if it’s safe to get a rhinoplasty at this bmi or if i should aim to gain weight before my surgery. would i need to gain to a bmi of 18.5?! i unfortunately suffer from an eating disorder so gaining weight is difficult for me but, i will do so to not put my life at risk during the surgery. the last blood work i had done, came back perfectly fine.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! We would love to meet with you in person or virtually to discuss your surgical and non-surgical options. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Eating disorders are tricky, and sometimes they are difficult to treat. You would certainly benefit from putting on 20 to 30 pounds of skeletal muscle mass and fat. And your percentage of body fat should not be less than 20%. A low BMI from an eating disorder maybe indicative of malnutrition, and malnutrition could lead to poor healing. Since you have your entire life ahead of you, I would suggest getting control of your eating disorder, and moving forward in life feeling healthy, and happy. I wish you all the best moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

This is not so much a BMI issue as it is why you have the low BMI. If you just happen to have low body fat, it's not necessarily a "huge" deal, but if it is because of your eating disorder, then you are at high risk for many many potential issues. The reason BMI matters in this case is that when you are underweight, your body is in a metabolic state of "Breaking down" stuff as opposed to "building up", and when you are healing from surgery, your body needs to be building up. So if it isn't in that metabolic state, you're at risk for infection, wound breakdown, prolonged swelling/pain/etc. Beyond that, depending on what kind of ED you have, you're also at significant risk for having heart issues from anesthesia drugs too.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A BMI of 16 is not a contra-indication for rhinoplasty as long as you are healthy.  You will need a medical clearance from your doctor.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be easier to answer your question if there were photos available. However, rhinoplasty result will not depend of your body weight and low BMI. In person consultation with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

Can I get a rhinoplasty if my BMI is 16?

Answers (5)

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