The Centre, P.C. - Plastic Surgery Blog

Body Contouring Risks Related to BMI - Thursday, August 14, 2008

A recent study published in the July/August issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the peer-reviewed organ of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, showed that the risk a patient incurs during body contouring procedures is strongly related to the patient's body mass index (BMI).

The study was conducted as a retrospective review of 129 patients who underwent a single body contouring procedure between 1993 and 2004 and correlated actual complications experienced with BMIs. For the purposes of the study, patients were divided into five categories: ideal (BMI less than 25), overweight (BMI 25-30), obese (BMI 31-35), morbidly obese (BMI 36-40), and severely morbidly obese (BMI 41 and greater). Complications were divided between minor complications (such as infection, seroma, and hematoma) and major complications (including serious wounds, rehospitalization, and death).

Results indicated a significant difference between the ideal candidates and others. Whereas ideal candidates had relatively low risks (3.3% for minor complications and 6.6% for major complications) severely morbidly obese candidates had much higher risk (46.9% for minor complications and 43.7% for major complications). The results of this study highlight again that body contouring procedures such as liposuction or tummy tucks are not weight loss procedures. They are, instead, procedures that help improve your appearance beyond what you can achieve with diet and exercise. You are encouraged to do your best to achieve your ideal weight before seeking out body contouring.

If you have lost weight as a result of diet or exercise, but are still disappointed in your appearance, body contouring is a good way to get the figure you want. Contact us at The Centre, P.C. today for a consultation to learn more.