Will I be denied surgery for based on my BMI?

Question

I have a BMI of 29.9 will I be denied for my mommy makeover? Do plastic surgeons charge extra fees or refuse service according to your BMI?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

BMI's over 30 tend to have more complications than those under 30.  The Mommy Makeover is a combination of multiple reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries all folded into one.  Taking unnecessary chances of complications is never a good idea when doing elective surgery.  On the other hand, proceeding with a Mommy Makeover in a patient with a BMI slightly over 30 who is  highly motivated, in good health, and with a great support group would not be an inappropriate decision.  The short answer to your question is a BMI is only one of the many variables a highly trained Board Certified plastic surgeon takes into consideration when deciding if a Mommy Makeover is the right surgery for any prospective patient.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. At my practice the BMI limit for a mommy makeover is 33. I recommend scheduling a consult for a proper evaluation. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
As long as you are at a healthy weight and BMI you should be able to have the surgery. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

William Bruno, MD · Answer

A BMI under 30 is acceptable by most, if not all, plastic surgeons. If your BMI (body mass index) is higher than 30 or 35, you may need to gain weight prior to surgery, depending on your surgeon’s criteria or other health issues you may have. The lower your BMI going into surgery, the lower your risk of complications such as infection and DVT (deep vein thrombosis or blood clot).

Costs can vary based on time of surgery. A person with a higher BMI will typically require a longer surgery time, therefore a higher cost.

I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes with your mommy makeover procedure.

Dr.Bruno

Costs can vary based on time of surgery. A person with a higher BMI will typically require a longer surgery time, therefore a higher cost.

I hope this is helpful. 
Best wishes with your mommy makeover procedure.

Dr.Bruno

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The lower your BMI the better. In my practice, I would recommend a BMI of 30 or less for mommy makeover. I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon
for a full evaluation and advice. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.                                             
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your health history & expectations will dictate the best procedure(s) for you.  I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals.  Best of luck!
Dr Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Hoffman Estates 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A BMI of 29.9 is not a contra indication for a mommy makeover.  I would begin with your breasts first.  If you do the abdomen first it will pull the breasts lower making it difficult to raise the breasts as high as possible.  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.  At the same time, a tummy tuck can be performed.  If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend 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.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A good candidate for a MM is close to her ideal body weight and has maintained that stable weight for six months, is in good health, has good skin tone and elasticity, does not smoke, and has realistic expectations.   In my practice I look for a BMI at 30 or lower to lower 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 board certified plastic surgeon would consider for this procedure.
The cost of a MM is dependent on the extent of the surgery, the procedures being performed, and other factors such as facility and anesthesia fees. Consult via email or Skype to discuss the procedures you prefer.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns, however most board certified plastic surgeons prefer patients to try to lower their BMI to 30 or lower for safety reasons and to achieve the best possible result. Statistic show a much higher complication rate in patients with a BMI over 30. The surgeon should not charge more for a higher BMI, they should just not do the procedure! Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to confirm my advice. Good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Your BMI alone will not deny you a mommy makeover but a full and thorough medical history needs to be obtained and a discussion of your goals and desired treatments needs to be detailed before determining your candidacy.  Hope this helps.

Will I be denied surgery for based on my BMI?

Answers (17)

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