Is there a BMI limit for every procedure?

Question

I am interested in a tummy tuck and arm lift. I was curious if there is a bmi range or if there is a specific bmi that I have to be under to qualify for both. I would rather know before scheduling any consultations. I have lost 60lbs but my excess skin in my abdomen makes some exercising incredibly difficult and uncomfortable

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Workingonme17,
Almost every plastic surgeon will tell you that you should reduce your BMI to at least 30 to be a candidate for a surgery. However, you should try to reduce it as much as possible because higher BMI is linked to a higher chance of complications. 
I hope this was helpful,
Dr. Barrett,Beverly Hills, CA

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. In general, a BMI of 30 or less
is considered ideal but this is not a hard and fast rule.
Most plastic surgeons suggest that you finish having children and get your
weight within 10 pounds of your ideal weight before undergoing an
abdominoplasty with repair of the stretched out abdominal muscles and
liposuction of selective areas, in order to achieve the best long term cosmetic
result with the least potential complications.
Following the advice of anyone who would presume to tell you what to do without
seeing photos and more importantly without taking a full medical history,
examining you, feeling and assessing your tissue tone, discussing your desired
outcome and fully informing you about the pros and cons of each option would
not be in your best interest. Find a plastic surgeon that you are comfortable
with and one that you trust and listen to his or her advice. The surgeon should
be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of
the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). You should discuss
your concerns with that surgeon in person.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla, California.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Reducing the BMI to below 35 and even below 30 can reduce the risks associated with surgery.Kenneth Hughes, MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your successful weight thus far.  Specific calculations, including BMI,  are not always helpful when it comes to determining a specific patient's suitability to proceed with surgery.
Having said that, it is always best (or ideal) to achieve long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with tummy tuck surgery. Doing so, will increase the safety of the operation, will likely improve the outcome of the operation, and will decrease chances that additional surgery will become necessary subsequently. 
In my practice, I do not ask specific patients to achieve a specific weight prior to proceeding with tummy tuck surgery. I simply ask patients to achieve a long-term stable weight where he/she feels comfortable and does not expect significant fluctuation postoperatively.
 Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.
 My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with.   Then prepare yourself and your support system for a  significant recovery experience (physical and often emotional).
 
 Best wishes.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello Workingonme17.I appreciate your question. The lower the BMI, the better it is. However, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends a BMI lower than 30. This is based on data collected on 130,000 patients which demonstrated a BMI above 30 doubled the risks of infection and wound healing problems along incisions. Realistically speaking, not everyone can get below 30 even with significant weight loss. I prefer to recommend patients who are above 30 to get in to a medically supervised weight loss program, achieve their goal, and maintain that weight for at least 3 months.I perform surgery on patients with a BMI above 30 and discuss some risks may be higher for them. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

Is there a BMI limit for every procedure?

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Is there a BMI limit for every procedure?

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Answer: Is there a BMI limit for every procedure?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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