One of the most important factors to consider before undergoing any form of cosmetic surgery is weight. Excess fat in the body can lead to a host of potential complications that could affect the final results while delaying recovery. Therefore, most board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States often advise their patients to lose weight before scheduling any invasive cosmetic procedure.
If you are considering cosmetic surgery and need significant weight loss, it is crucial to assess your own goals and your body’s current condition. That said, this article will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.
Recommended Article:
If you recently had a massive weight loss and are bothered by excess skin, read this article to know your surgical and non-surgical options.
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Your BMI is an anthropometric matrix that estimates your weight relative to your height. It is a tool that allows us to determine how close you are to your ideal weight range. Most board-certified plastic surgeons will clear patients with a BMI of 30 or less and within 30 lbs of their ideal body weight. Anything above that value is considered obese.
You may assess your BMI here.
How Does Obesity Affect My Body During & After Surgery?
The presence of excess fat causes a lot of stress to the body. In obese patients undergoing any form of surgery, excess fat will leave them vulnerable to a host of issues beginning with anesthesia’s delivery and effectiveness.
When combined with the physical stress the body naturally undergoes during cosmetic surgery, the heart will need to work harder to supply the body with the oxygen it needs. The body will begin working overtime. This can potentially place you at risk of a heart attack, stroke, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can ultimately lead to a pulmonary embolism. Also, wound healing might not be optimal, which in turn could lead to unsightly scarring, infections, and the need for revision procedures.
As a result of the stress you can potentially experience during, and after cosmetic surgery, the risks of not achieving your desired outcome are higher.
3 Simple Ways You Can Lose Weight Before Surgery
If your BMI is above 30, your board-certified plastic surgeon might instruct you to lose weight before scheduling cosmetic surgery. While losing weight may seem incredibly daunting at first, it is very much possible with some adjustment to your current lifestyle.
On this end, it is recommended to:
1. Develop a Well-Paced Diet and Exercise Routine
Let’s face it. Shock diets don’t work. Shock diets are typically recognized as a daily dietary intake of under 1,200 calories a day. Rapid weight loss from crash diets deprives your body of nutrients essential to function and can lead to a weakened immune system, dehydration, and excess body stress.
Instead, it is recommended to start with a controlled diet of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains such as cereal and bread.
You can combine your diet with exercise regimens that are relatively easy to begin. Simple workouts such as essential cardio and yoga can go a long way in helping you ease into a routine. You can start by downloading the Nike Training Club app on your mobile device and accessing a library of simple, life-changing workouts you can do from your own home.
2. Download a Weight-Watching App on Your Mobile Device
Weight-watching apps are very helpful in tracking down your weight as you prepare for surgery. Many of these apps can help you develop goals that will enable you to reach your ideal pre-surgical weight within a designated timeframe.
Under Armour’s MyFitnessPal and Weight Watchers Reimagined are excellent, fully customizable, and user-friendly apps that are free (with in-app purchases, of course) for both Android and Apple users.
3. Maintain a Support System
Ultimately, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal one. Having a support system at home with your family and friends is a fantastic way to start your journey. This can be further enhanced by finding a local weight-loss support group.
Memorial Hermann hospitals across Houston and its surrounding areas such as Memorial City and Sugar Land offer free support groups for pre and post-surgery patients.
An Introduction to Post-Surgical Life
Undergoing cosmetic surgery involves a committed change in lifestyle that begins in the months before your scheduled procedure. Forming these life-changing habits early on will not only help you attain the desired results but will help you adjust to a healthier lifestyle after your surgery.
Many people often go into cosmetic surgery under the pre-conceived notion that it is a definitive solution to all their problems. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Cosmetic surgery is only implemented in cases where it is necessary to enhance the body’s natural features surgically. Maintaining the surgical results involves a life-long dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
After Weight Loss Procedures
There are two body contouring procedures that patients usually have after having a massive weight loss. Learn more about these procedures here:
