Health

Patient Education: Losing Weight Before Surgery

If you’re tempted to undergo any cosmetic surgery procedure, you need to be at a healthy Body Mass Index or an ideal weight to be a suitable candidate for surgery. Plastic Surgeons generally will not accept clients that have a BMI over 26 or BMI under 17. This will also be determined case by case based on assessment images and information provided.

This is due to the associated health risks and the potential of creating substandard results. Do you want to achieve the best results possible? Well, reaching your ideal body weight will significantly improve your post-surgery outcome!

Why can’t I have surgery if I’m not a healthy weight?

Procedures such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, Abdominoplasty, Liposuction and even a Facelift are all impacted dramatically by weight loss before surgery and maintenance afterwards. Being at a healthy and stable weight before surgery typically means that you are more likely have a better surgery outcome, recovery and healing time.

Why you need to be a healthy weight before surgery

Those with a higher BMI are more likely to experience infection during recovery. If you have a BMI of 35-36 or above, this makes you nearly 75 percent more susceptible to infection. Those who have a lower BMI are likely to experience surgery complications such as rippling, lack of tissue, an overly ‘fake looking’ result from implants. Being a healthy weight will help you to achieve the best possible surgery outcome.

If you are on a weight loss/weight gain plan:

That’s great! You’re in the process of reaching your goal weight and one step closer to being eligible for surgery. However, only when you have reached your ideal weight goal, can you start the assessment process at reputable cosmetic clinics like Jade clinic Cairns & North Queensland – not before. And ideally, they will most likely want to ensure that you can maintain this ideal weight so that you do not fluctuate post-surgery and jeopardise your results with weight gain.

Losing weight will affect each person’s skin differently, and varying degrees of sagging may occur. Therefore, the procedure or technique that you require may change after weight loss.

Cosmetic Surgery is NOT a weight loss alternative!

Surgery should be the reward for your weight loss achievements! It is not a remedy for obesity or a substitute for diet and exercise. After the weight has been lost there are plenty of different surgical procedures available to get rid of stubborn fat pockets, remove excess skin and help to contour your body to help you reach your ideal body!

Why it’s important to be a healthy AND maintainable weight

Gaining weight post-surgery will affect your aesthetic outcome to some degree and will be the biggest contributing factor to your dissatisfaction. Particularly for Breast and Tummy Tuck procedure clients. At this point, Surgeons cannot be held responsible for your outcome and any hospital guarantee and additional Warranty Coverage will not be valid. If wish to have revision surgery to correct this, you will be required to lose the weight prior to any surgery being considered by the Surgeon.

Where should I start on my weight-loss journey?

  1. Write down your goals

Its good to have a daily reminder of why you’re on this journey. Writing down your goals can also motivate you each day – Just think about the end result and the effect it will have on your life and your self-esteem!

  1. Eat a balanced and healthy diet

Begin with ensuring your body is well nourished. Consuming fresh fruit and vegetables and maintaining a balanced diet is 80% of your weight loss efforts. Cut out sugary snacks, take away, alcohol and carb-heavy foods and find healthier alternatives. There is an abundance of information on the internet, use it to find a plan that will suit your lifestyle and preferences. If you’re struggling, you can always consult a nutritionist or Personal trainer for a diet plan.

  1. Begin regular exercises

Why not start your morning off with a light 30-40 minute walk every day on an empty stomach. Not only will this burn fat, but it’s also a great way to start the day and keep you focused on your goals. Slowly start introducing more intense workouts or even join a gym and hire a personal trainer! Make sure you take progress photos for weight-loss tracking and motivation!

  1. DON’T GIVE UP!

Some days will be harder than others, and you can easily give in to temptation and go back to bad habits. If you slip up and miss a gym session or eat a naughty meal, don’t punish yourself. Pull out your list of goals, regather yourself and start again. Everyone has their weak moments now and then, just move on and learn from your mistakes.