Nutrition

When a patient thinks about having plastic surgery, they usually think about the end result. They wonder whether you will be happy with the outcomes. As important as this concern is, there is another aspect of plastic surgery many patients never consider: maintaining the right weight and BMI.

Your BMI, or body mass index, is a calculation of how much body fat you have. It is determined by your height and weight, making it an important part of the plastic surgery process.

Preoperative Weight and BMI

Regardless of the plastic surgery procedure you are having performed, maintaining your weight and BMI are fundamental. If you are overweight or carrying too much body fat, it can impede your recovery. Additional risks of having a high BMI or being overweight include:

• Surgical risks: Patients who are at their ideal weight are less likely to suffer intraoperative complications. Those who are overweight have a higher likelihood of having diabetes, hypertension, and potential adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Improved outcome: Certain procedures, such as tummy tucks or breast lifts, usually have better final results when patients are at the ideal weight prior to surgery.
• Cost-Effective: Patients who maintain their weight prior to surgery usually save more money when compared to those who have weight fluctuations that can negatively affect the aesthetic result.

Maintaining Your Weight Postoperatively

After surgery, it is equally important to maintain your weight. In addition to maximizing the results, maintaining your weight postoperatively will:

• Expedite recovery: Patients with a high BMI or who are carrying excess weight might not heal as fast as patients who are at the ideal weight. They are also at higher risk of postoperative complications, which include blood clots or poor healing.
• Improved long-term health: Patients with a BMI tend to be healthier than patients who are overweight with a high BMI. Carrying too much weight can be a precursor to chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even sleep apnea.
• Improved Mental Health: Patients who are unable to maintain their weight may suffer psychologically as well. They may feel like they failed themselves, are not attractive as others, and may even develop depression and anxiety.

How to Prepare For Surgery

The first step in ensuring a positive surgical outcome is understanding the importance of a healthy diet. Make sure you are eating a low-fat, low-sugar diet most of the time. Additionally, you should be performing at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each week.

If you are struggling to lose weight prior to your procedure, Dr. Carpin can help you create sustainable weight loss and maintenance goals. After your procedure, be sure to resume exercising once cleared by Dr. Carpin. Be sure to eat as healthy as possible, consuming fresh fruit and vegetables while avoiding processed food.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Deciding to have plastic surgery is a big decision, one that takes a lot of thought and planning. Dr. Carpin wants to make the process as stress-free as possible. Contact our Webster, Texas office at 281-333-4600 to learn more about weight management or to schedule your consultation today.