BMI too high for implant removal and lift?

Question

I’m 28 years old. I have a breast augmentation 3 years ago. My implants were way too big for my body and have dramatically dropped. I had the augmentation when my BMI was 37. I am 5’9 and 248 pounds. I’m wondering if I’m too overweight to have this procedure done? My implants are 800 cc and KILL me daily. I’m looking to completely take them out and do a lift.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

BMI is a good guideline, but it is not the final word. If you are overall healthy then you would probably be fine to have this procedure at your current BMI, which is less than it was at your previous procedure. The only way to know for sure is to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to see what your options are. Best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your safety is always the number one priority.  It is best to have a BMI of 30 or under when considering elective plastic surgery.  Higher BMI's are associated with a higher risk of complications including poor wound healing and infection.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

At 5'9" and 248 lbs, your calculated BMI is 36.6.  BMI is only one measure of fitness for surgery; other factors such as  overall health, and your body habitus are also important.  To decrease the risks of complications during and after surgery and to enhance results from your breast lift, I would recommend starting an exercise and diet program to reach your goal weight and ensure its stability over a three month period prior to removal of the breast implant and breast lift.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic  SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Best to achieve your long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with breast surgery. Doing so will improve the "safety profile" of your operation and help minimize chances that additional surgery will be necessary (for example additional breast lifting in the event of significant postoperative weight loss). Best wishes.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  The safe range for BMI is 30 or less.  Higher than this increase your surgical risk as well as post-operative complications.  Therefore, its is best to get down to this number for safety reasons.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

BMI too high for implant removal and lift?

Answers (7)

Answer: BMI too high for implant removal and lift?

Answer: BMI too high for implant removal and lift?

Answer: BMI of 30 is ideal

Answer: BMI of 30 is ideal

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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BMI too high for implant removal and lift?

Answers (7)

Answer: BMI too high for implant removal and lift?

Answer: BMI too high for implant removal and lift?

Answer: BMI of 30 is ideal

Answer: BMI of 30 is ideal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.