Cosmetic surgery, also sometimes called plastic surgery, has become increasingly popular in our modern society. From celebrities and influencers to everyday individuals, many people are opting for cosmetic procedures to alter their physical appearance.
When considering cosmetic surgery, it’s important to understand that various factors, including BMI, can play a role in the eligibility and outcomes of these procedures. BMI, or body mass index, is a numerical value calculated based on an individual’s height and weight, and it is commonly used as an indicator of whether a person falls within a healthy weight range.
A high BMI, typically classified as a BMI of 30 or higher, can indicate that a person is overweight or obese. While BMI is not a perfect measure of an individual’s overall health, it is often considered a potential risk factor in many surgical procedures, including cosmetic surgery. One of the primary concerns with cosmetic surgery in individuals with a high BMI is the increased risk of surgical complications, both during the surgery and during the healing process.
Today we are going to look at some of the factors, including BMI, that can affect an individual’s candidacy for cosmetic surgery and how plastic surgeons work with high-BMI patients.
What Are Some Common Factors That Determine Eligibility For Cosmetic Surgery?
As with other types of surgery, there are general requirements that individuals must meet in order to qualify for cosmetic surgery. These requirements may vary depending on the specific procedure and the surgeon’s guidelines, but some common factors that are typically taken into consideration include:
- 1. Overall good physical health
- There are risks and the possibility of complications with any type of surgery, including the risks that are associated with general anesthesia. Patient safety is of the utmost importance when being considered for elective procedures, and a high BMI may be cause for concern. Also, certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or immune disorders, may disqualify individuals from undergoing elective cosmetic procedures.
- 2. Realistic expectations
- Candidates should have a clear understanding of the potential risks, limitations, and expected results of the procedure and have reasonable expectations about what can be achieved.
- 3. Psychological readiness
- Although the majority of candidates are significantly pleased with the results of their cosmetic alterations, candidates should have a stable mental health status and be emotionally prepared for the changes that may come with the cosmetic procedure.
- 4. Age requirements
- Most plastic surgeons require patients to be at least 18 years old for procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction, and some procedures may have higher age requirements. In the case of minors seeking cosmetic surgery, parental consent may be required.
- 5. Lifestyle factors
- Certain lifestyle factors may also be taken into consideration. For example, candidates may be required to have a stable and moderately healthy weight for a certain period of time before undergoing procedures such as body contouring or liposuction. Smoking and alcohol consumption may also be factors that need to be taken into account, as they can impact the outcomes of the surgery and the healing process.
Looking at this list of requirements, one might ask, “What if I am overweight or have a high BMI, but I want to get a Brazilian butt lift?” Are there any plastic surgeons that work with high BMI patients?”
Will A High BMI Prevent Me From Having Cosmetic Surgery?
A high BMI can be associated with increased risks during surgery and may affect the outcomes of cosmetic procedures. Complications such as wound healing issues, infection risks, anesthesia risks, and other medical concerns may be more prevalent in individuals with a high BMI. Additionally, some cosmetic procedures may not be as effective or may yield less desirable results in individuals with a high BMI, due to factors such as reduced skin elasticity and increased fat deposits.
High-BMI patients should work closely with their plastic surgeons to select the most appropriate procedure(s) based on their individual needs and health status. Some plastic surgery procedures may be more suitable for high-BMI patients than others. For example, procedures that involve significant weight loss, such as body contouring surgeries like tummy tucks or body lifts, may be more effective after the patient has achieved a stable weight. Procedures that require extensive incisions or longer operating times may pose increased risks for high-BMI patients and may need to be carefully evaluated.
However, when determining your eligibility for cosmetic surgery, cosmetic surgeons frequently consider a variety of factors, including but not limited to your BMI, overall health, medical history, and personal circumstances.
What If I Want To Have A BBL But I Have A High BMI?
While liposuction is considered a surgical procedure and is an integral part of the process, a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) does not always require the use of general anesthesia. Many people are not sure if a BBL is considered surgery or a procedure, and the answer to that depends on the circumstances. If you are looking for a high BMI BBL, it may be possible depending on your situation. Your surgeon may also wish to work with you on a few things before performing the BBL so you can achieve the results you desire.
It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to discuss your specific situation and receive personalized advice based on your individual health and cosmetic goals.
Your surgeon will be able to evaluate your suitability for Brazilian butt lift surgery based on a comprehensive assessment of your health and medical history. Many plastic surgeons work with high-BMI patients by creating a treatment plan for them that may include recommendations for achieving a healthier BMI before undergoing cosmetic surgery, if necessary, to minimize risks and optimize results.
The best way to know whether your high BMI will impact a plastic surgeon’s decision regarding your BBL is to set up a consultation and speak with them about your specific situation.
Are There Options For Patients Who Can Not Safely Have Plastic Surgery?
The advancements in cosmetic techniques have delivered both surgical and non-surgical options for aesthetic enhancements to suit the needs of a variety of patients. If you are looking for high BMI plastic surgery but do not currently qualify, there may be other options for enhancements that can be done while you work on your plan for surgery. Some of the more popular non-surgical options include:
- Botox Injections
- Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected into the skin to temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles. It is commonly used to treat frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines.
- Dermal Fillers
- Dermal fillers are injectable gels made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, which is used to restore volume and smooth out wrinkles, lines, and hollow areas in the face. They can be used to enhance the lips, cheeks, temples, and other areas of the face.
- Chemical Peels
- Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes it to exfoliate and peel off, revealing smoother, fresher skin underneath. Chemical peels can improve the texture and tone of the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and treat acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
- Microdermabrasion
- Microdermabrasion such as Diamond Glow is a non-invasive exfoliation procedure that uses tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to gently remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, revealing smoother skin. It can improve the texture and tone of the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize pore size.
- Microneedling with Radiofrequency
- Morpheus8 is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that combines micro-needling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to rejuvenate the skin and improve its texture and tone. It is a minimally invasive treatment that can be used on the face, neck, and body to address various skin concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and sagging skin.
- Laser Skin Treatments
- Laser skin treatments use focused beams of light to target specific skin concerns such as pigmentation issues, acne scars, and broken blood vessels. They can improve the texture and tone of the skin, reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production.
- Non-Surgical Fat Reduction
- Non-surgical fat reduction treatments such as Evoke and Evolve use various technologies such as ultrasound or radiofrequency to selectively target and destroy fat cells without surgery. These treatments can be used to reduce unwanted pockets of fat in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms.
- Non-Surgical Body Contouring
- Physiq and Evolve Tone are non-invasive body contouring treatments that use high-intensity, focused electromagnetic technology to stimulate muscle contractions in targeted areas of the body. This can help strengthen and tone muscles, particularly in the abdomen and buttocks, for a more sculpted appearance.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, processing it to separate the platelet-rich plasma, and then injecting it back into the skin. PRP contains growth factors that can stimulate collagen production and promote skin rejuvenation, making it useful for improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity.
Choose an Experienced Surgeon
Whether you are looking for subtle enhancements or drastic changes, there are many cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons that work with high BMI patients. Choosing a qualified, board-certified professional to work with is of the utmost importance because it will play a critical role in both your safety and final results.
High-BMI patients have unique needs and may require specialized techniques and expertise. It’s important to choose a surgeon who is board-certified, has a good reputation, and has experience performing plastic surgery procedures on patients with a high BMI. A cosmetic surgeon who is knowledgeable about the unique considerations and risks associated with high BMI patients can provide the best care and help achieve optimal outcomes.
Contact SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics
If you are a high-BMI patient who desires cosmetic surgery, your first call should be to SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics. Dr. Angelina Postoev is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience working with high BMI patients.
She will work with you to create a plan of care that will help you safely achieve your aesthetic goals. Dr. Angelina and her team of caring and highly qualified professionals will provide you with the highest quality of care and aftercare to ensure you are comfortable and thrilled with your results. Set up your consultation today and learn more about how the amazing team at SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics can help you reach your aesthetic goals.
