Cosmetic Surgery in Atlanta, GA, and Alpharetta, GA, with Dr. Alderman
Dr. Alderman is often asked what can be done prior to plastic surgery to optimize surgical results. There are a few key issues that will impact the results of cosmetic surgery related to a healthy lifestyle and nutrition. However, the most important thing a patient can do prior to surgery is to achieve their ideal body weight.
Why is it Important for a Patient to be at an Ideal Body Weight Prior to Surgery?
When a patient is considering breast or body cosmetic surgery, Dr. Alderman always stresses the importance of being close to an ideal body weight that can be maintained long-term. The reason is two-fold and is related to surgical risk and surgical outcomes. It is well documented that obese patients have a higher risk of surgical complications compared to a patient at an average weight. In addition, the surgical procedure is tailored to your current body size. Losing a significant amount of weight after surgery may result in a less optimal surgical outcome.
How Does Losing Weight After Cosmetic Breast or Body Surgery Impact Results?
Dr. Alderman can only recontour a patient’s breast or body to their current weight at the time of surgery. Losing weight after surgery may result in more skin than desired in the surgical area. Usually, losing 5-8 lbs. will not significantly impact surgical results. However, losing a significant amount of weight, such as greater than 15 lbs., will often result in loose skin. For example, a breast lift may relax more than desired, or a tummy may have more redundant skin compared to the results immediately after the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure. Dr. Alderman wants you to have the best outcome possible. And because of that, she stresses the importance of being close to your desired weight at the time of surgery.
How do you Determine the Best Weight for a Patient?
Patients often ask what their goal weight should be. That is a highly individualized decision, but a good rule of thumb is to use a BMI calculator. BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and it is a calculation that uses the ratio of height and weight. A BMI calculator is easy to find on the internet, and it is a good starting point when trying to find your optimal body weight. Current guidelines are that a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, and anyone with a BMI over 30 is considered obese.
How is BMI (Body Mass Index) Related to Surgical Risk?
Patients who are obese have a higher surgical risk than those with average body weight. The risks include a higher incidence of infection and wound healing issues. In addition, overweight patients can have high blood pressure, which increases the risk of bleeding with surgery. Obesity can also be associated with sleep apnea. Patients with sleep apnea who are not treated with a CPAP machine can have difficulty breathing while sleeping after surgery if on narcotic pain medication.
For all of these reasons, Drs. Alderman and Joiner stress the importance of being at a healthy weight at the time of elective cosmetic surgery. Breast and body contouring surgery are not weight-loss procedures. These procedures are designed to recontour your body when you are at a healthy weight.
Request a Consultation
If you’re in the Atlanta area and have any questions about a procedure or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alderman, please contact our office.
What Can I Do If I am Having a Hard Time Losing Unwanted Weight?
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