High BMI and Liposuction: What Are the Implications?

If you plan to receive stomach liposuction or fat removal surgery on any part of your body, you want to know that the results will align with your goals. 

A good BMI, or body mass index, is one factor in achieving great liposuction results. This article will explore how having a good BMI can lead to better liposuction results and offer tips on achieving a healthy BMI.

It is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. The actual amount of fat removed from the body is relatively small. Instead, the fat is removed strategically to make patients look more contoured. Therefore, you may want to receive a different treatment, like bariatric surgery, or consider losing weight before liposuction. If your BMI is too high, you are also at greater risk for problems during the procedure. Here's a closer look at everything you need to know about liposuction BMI restrictions.

What Is BMI?

BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. A healthy BMI range is typically considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. 

Doctors use your body mass index to determine if you are a reasonable weight for your height. You can calculate it by dividing your body weight in kilograms and the square of your height in meters. For ease, we recommend that you work with an online BMI calculator.

BMI and Liposuction Results 

Regarding liposuction, having a good BMI is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, having a good BMI can lead to better skin retraction because when you have less fat, your skin can conform better to your body's new contours. This can result in smoother, more natural-looking results.

Secondly, having a good BMI can reduce the risk of complications during and after the liposuction procedure. When you have a higher BMI, there is typically more fat to remove, making the treatment more challenging and increasing the risk of complications such as excessive bleeding or fluid accumulation.

That said, newer techniques like AirSculpt enable you to remove stubborn up to five liters of fat while remaining fully awake, which is much less risky than invasive alternatives.  

Can I Get Liposuction if I Have a High BMI?

Liposuction is best suited for people with an ideal BMI or close to it. You are a perfect candidate if your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. However, patients who are a bit overweight can also achieve great results.

You may also be a good candidate if you are within 20 to 30 pounds of your ideal weight, corresponding to a BMI between 28 and 33. If you are significantly overweight, there are better options than stomach liposuction. One reason is that during liposuction, surgeons are usually limited to removing up to five liters of fat. Therefore, the efforts of the procedure might be unnoticeable, and you will not be satisfied with the results. 

Health Implications of Getting Liposuction With a High BMI 

If your BMI is high, you are more likely to have health problems that may pose a risk during and after the procedure.  

You must be in good health to recover well after surgery. One crucial step is frequently moving, including taking daily walks as soon as possible post-procedure. Higher BMI patients should follow this advice closely as long as they do not have physical limitations. 

If your BMI is too high, you may also have decreased immunity. This can put you at risk for surgical complications such as infection. Inflammation and pain are also possible side effects of patients with excess body weight getting liposuction. 

Therefore, you should aim to be close to your target weight before surgery for the best liposuction results to achieve your desired body.

Tips for Achieving a Healthy BMI

How can you achieve a healthy BMI before undergoing liposuction? Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Adopt a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help you achieve a healthy BMI. Avoid processed foods and foods that are high in sugar or saturated fat.

2. Incorporate exercise into your routine: Regular exercise can help burn fat and build muscle, leading to a healthier BMI. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

3. Consider working with a healthcare professional: If you're struggling to achieve a healthy BMI, consider working with a healthcare professional such as a registered dietitian or personal trainer. They can help you develop a personalized plan to achieve your goals.

Does AirSculpt® Have BMI Restrictions?

Anyone can get an AirSculpt®, regardless of their BMI, yet it would be the more responsible choice to be near your ideal BMI level to minimize any issues during and after fat removal.

AirSculpt® procedures allow for seamless fat removal regardless of BMI, thanks to the advanced, patented technology implemented used. AirSculpt® does not use scalpels, stitches, needles, or general anesthesia; the minimally invasive process allows for heightened precision and significantly reduced downsides compared to traditional surgeries.

The next generation of body sculpting is designed to create outstanding results easily. For more information on how we can help you, call our body sculpting office nearest you to schedule your complimentary consultation.