According to The Aesthetic Society, cosmetic surgical procedures increased by 10.2% between 2019 and 2023. This easy accessibility to aesthetic surgeries emphasizes the need for the optimal health status of the patients who seek these procedures. Let’s explore the role of metrics like BMI in improving risks and enhancing the safety profile of aesthetic surgeries.
What is the Definition of BMI?
BMI is short for “Body Mass Index”. It is an approximate measurement of the health status of a person. BMI uses values such as a person’s height (in meters) and weight (in kilograms) to evaluate the risk for certain health conditions. Although many other indices are more accurate for this purpose, BMI is the simplest and the most widely used.
Calculating BMI
The Body Mass Index (BMI) formula is very basic and easy to use. Anyone can measure their BMI by dividing their weight in Kg by their height in meters squared. The result is indicated in Kg/m2. BMI is a quick way to assess health status and risks, though it has its limitations.
How Is BMI Classified?
The average BMI results may be classified as follows:
- < 18.5 (Below average/underweight)
- Ranges between 18.5 – 24.9 (Normal BMI)
- Ranges between 25 – 29.9 (Overweight)
- Ranges between 30 – 34.9 (Obese, Class 1)
- Ranges between 35 – 39.9 (Obese, Class 2)
- > 40 (Morbid obesity, Class 3)
Why Is BMI Important?
BMI ranges are a rough indicator of the risk for certain health conditions. For example, a BMI of less than 18.5 indicates that the individual may be at risk for anemia, osteoporosis, nutritional deficiencies, etc. Whereas a higher than normal BMI indicates chances of developing heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc.
A BMI is by no means 100% accurate. It has its limitations, such as not accounting for lean body mass, etc. However, healthcare providers use BMI as a standard screening tool to gauge the optimal health status of patients.
What Is The Relevance of BMI For Cosmetic Surgery?
BMI plays an important role in assessing the eligibility of prospective patients for cosmetic surgical procedures. An abnormal BMI before cosmetic surgery may indicate a higher risk of anesthesia or per-operative complications. Such patients may have problems during the recovery period as well. A BMI of obesity class 1, 2, or 3 puts patients at risk of developing blood clots during or after cosmetic surgical procedures.
Is It Possible to Reduce BMI Before Plastic Surgery?
Mayclinik provides all prospective patients with free initial consultation. During the consultation visit, qualified surgical staff assess the overall health status of all patients. If indicators such as abnormal BMI are found, expert guidance is provided to improve health and well-being before any surgical procedure.
It is important to remember that BMI is a screening tool and not a diagnosis. With proper diet, exercise, and nutritional changes BMI can be lowered to normal levels. Crash diets or other quick weight-loss tactics are not advisable as ways to lower BMI. A sustained and balanced BMI is a better metric for cosmetic surgery success.
