BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. There are many apps online for patients who want to calculate their BMI measurement.
Health Risk Classification According to BMI (Health Canada)
| Classification | BMI Category (kg/m2) | Risk of Developing Health Problems |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | less than 18.5 | Increased |
| Normal weight | 18.5 – 24.9 | Least |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 | Increased |
| Obese class I | 30.0 – 34.9 | High |
| Obese class II | 35.0 – 39.9 | Very High |
| Obese class III | 40.0 + | Extremely High |
Patients with a high BMI may be at greater risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and breathing problems. For cosmetic surgery procedures such as Tummy Tuck, Body Contouring, Mommy Makeover, studies have found that patients with a high BMI have a greater risk of complications. On the other hand, patients with a very low BMI might not be getting adequate nutrition to heal properly.
Every patient has a unique health profile, so many patients with elevated body weight are still overall healthy and may consider elective surgery. In addition to BMI, many factors determine whether a patient is a good candidate for surgery. For example, if the patient has sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, heart condition, or hypertension, there are increased risks associated with anaesthesia.
Ideally, patients considering cosmetic surgery can try losing weight beforehand to increase safety and maximize surgical results.
What are some risks associated with a high BMI?
Some surgical risks associated with a higher BMI include:
- Longer operating times and/or longer stay in hospital
- Increased post-operative morbidity or complications
- Delayed healing in the post-op recovery process
Although various surgeons have different criteria for what BMI is safe for surgery, it is best to consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who will assess the patient’s overall health fitness for any elective procedure. Our BMI cutoff for surgery at The York Plastic Surgery Centre is 35, but patients with BMI 35+ might still be eligible for surgery in the hospital, depending on their overall health.
Dr. Andrade has been in practice since 2005 and specializes in breast and body surgeries. To request a consultation with Dr. Andrade, visit our website www.yorkplasticsurgerycentre.com or call 905-898-2519.
