A question we often get asked is what the maximum your body mass index (BMI) can be to have cosmetic surgery.
BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI is an easy way to obtain an individual’s weight category falling into either underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. A breakdown of BMI ranges corelating to each category can be found below.
BMI overview for adults:
- Between 18.5 and 24.9 – healthy weight
- Between 25 and 29.9 – overweight
- Between 30 and 39.9 – obese
- BMI of 40 or more – severely obese
Our experts use a patients BMI as an indicator as to whether you are fit and safe to undergo cosmetic surgery. At Pall Mall we require your BMI to be between 18 and 35 to undergo cosmetic surgery procedures.
If you BMI is either too high or low this can lead to a higher risk of complications when given anaesthesia during the procedure and after surgery during the recovery period.
Research has shown that if you’re BMI is severely under or over you are at more risk of:
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Increased risk of a heart attack
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Delayed recovery from surgery
Lead Outpatient Nurse Maxine at Pall Mall said: “Your BMI is a really important factor when it comes to your cosmetic surgery procedure.
“During your pre-operation appointment we will discuss with you a range of topics including your current health, family health issues and any allergies or previous hospital visits you may have encountered.”
You can calculate your BMI by measuring your height, weighing yourself and then doing this quick equation:
- Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres
- Divide that answer by your height
- The answer is your current BMI
