05 Apr Am I Too Skinny For Breast Implants? How Your BMI May Affect Your Results
Can BMI Affect Implant Results?
Opting for plastic surgery is a personal choice that should be thought through carefully. Breast augmentation is a procedure that can drastically change the way a person looks. Breast implants can raise the breast profile and improve a woman’s appearance. In the process of determining the correct type of implant and volume, don’t forget that BMI before a procedure will also influence final results.
Understanding BMI
A person’s body mass index (BMI) is one of many data points used to determine overall health. The figure is listed in ranges to define if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Male and female adults with a BMI of 18.5-24.9 are within a normal weight range. BMIs under 18.5 are considered underweight. A BMI of 25.0-29.9 is classified as overweight, and any individual with a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese.
Why does weight matter?
The primary reason surgeons urge potential patients to achieve a goal weight ahead of plastic surgery is to ensure that fewer complications occur during recovery. In particular, BMI ranges are closely linked with wound healing, immunity function, inflammation, and liver functionality. While general health and underlying conditions are also a factor, having a lower BMI reduces the chances of experiencing slower recovery. Specifically, excess fat deposits can inhibit wound healing and encourage inflammation throughout the body. As a result, overall recovery can take significantly longer.
Getting implants while overweight
People that fall into the overweight BMI category are still eligible for breast implants. However, individuals considering breast augmentation should be aware that many plastic surgeons won’t consider operating on women with a BMI of 30 or higher. Additionally, while an overweight woman may still be an eligible candidate for surgery, most doctors would recommend reaching a goal weight first.
Being underweight with implants
Many plastic surgeons may outline different guidelines regarding safe BMI ranges before deeming an individual a good candidate for breast implants. Just as in overweight individuals, being too far below the normal BMI range can also be a problem. While concerns around wound healing aren’t the focus, surgeons may worry if an underweight woman’s body can handle the anesthesia. Aesthetic aspects of the procedure are also essential to consider. For most patients, the goal is for the implants to look believable rather than overwhelming or disproportionate to the rest of the body.
The right weight for surgery
An ideal augmentation candidate will fall within the normal BMI category. For overweight women, concerns over recovery and a change in breast shape if weight is lost after surgery are paramount. Meanwhile, underweight people may be concerned about finding the right implant shape and volume that doesn’t create a disproportionate profile, along with anesthesia safety. Regardless of which category a woman falls into, speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon to understand the risks, benefits, and possible outcomes is important.