Lose Weight before Plastic Surgery

Why Optimal Weight Matters for Plastic Surgery

Achieving and maintaining an optimal weight before your plastic surgery procedure is not just about looking good – it’s about ensuring your safety, promoting better healing, and maximising the results of your surgery.

Improved Safety during Surgery

One of the primary reasons Dr. Watts emphasises the importance of reaching a healthy weight before surgery is to minimise potential risks and complications. Patients who are overweight or obese may face increased risks during anaesthesia and the surgical procedure itself. Excess body fat can make it more challenging to accurately estimate the required dosage of anaesthesia, potentially leading to complications.

Moreover, carrying extra weight puts additional stress on your heart and lungs, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory issues during surgery. By achieving a healthier weight, you’re reducing these risks and creating a safer environment for your procedure.

Better Healing and Recovery

Your body’s ability to heal efficiently after surgery is important for achieving optimal results and minimising complications. Patients at a healthy weight typically experience faster and more effective healing processes compared to those who are overweight or obese.

Excess body fat can impair blood circulation, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues. Poor circulation can lead to delayed wound healing, increased risk of infection, and prolonged swelling. Additionally, excess weight puts extra strain on incision sites, potentially leading to wound separation or stretched scars.

By reaching a healthier optimal weight before surgery, you’re setting the stage for a smoother recovery process. Your body will be better equipped to heal efficiently, reducing the risk of complications and allowing you to enjoy your results sooner.

BMI and Plastic Surgery Results

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a metric that plastic surgeons use to assess a patient’s suitability for various procedures. Knowing all about BMI and its impact on surgical outcomes can help you set realistic goals and expectations for your plastic surgery journey.

What Is BMI?

BMI is a simple measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The formula for BMI is:

BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²

While BMI is not a perfect measure of body fat or overall health, it provides a quick and easy way for healthcare professionals to categorise weight and potential health risks.

BMI categories are typically defined as follows:

• Underweight: Below 18.5
• Normal weight: 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: 25 to 29.9
• Obese: 30 or greater

Good BMI Range for Plastic Surgery

Dr. Watts prefers to perform elective cosmetic procedures on patients with a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9. This range is associated with the lowest risk of complications and the best potential for optimal results.

Patients with a BMI of 30 or above (classified as obese) may be advised to lose weight before undergoing certain procedures.

How BMI Affects Different Procedures

Different plastic surgery procedures can be impacted by BMI in various ways:

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): This procedure is particularly sensitive to BMI. Patients with a high BMI may have a higher risk of complications such as seroma (fluid accumulation), delayed wound healing, and suboptimal results. Dr. Watts often recommends a BMI of 30 or lower for this procedure.
• Breast Augmentation: While BMI is less critical for breast augmentation compared to body procedures, being at a healthy weight can still improve results. Patients with a higher BMI may experience more sagging over time due to the additional weight of the implants.
• Liposuction: This fat removal procedure is not a weight loss solution and works best for patients close to their optimal weight. Patients with a high BMI may be at higher risk for complications.
• Facelift: While facial procedures are less directly impacted by BMI, patients with a very high BMI may have more fatty tissue in the face and neck, which can affect the longevity of results.
• Body Lift: Similar to tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), body lift procedures are typically recommended for patients with a BMI under 30 to minimise risks and optimise results.

Tips for Losing Weight before Plastic Surgery

Achieving your optimal weight before plastic surgery can seem like a lot of work, but with the right approach, it’s an attainable goal. Here are some effective strategies to help you lose weight safely and sustainably:

Set Realistic Goals

Start by setting achievable, time-bound goals. Aim for a steady weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kg per week. This gradual approach is more sustainable and less likely to result in weight regain. Remember, the goal is not just to lose weight quickly, but to reach and maintain a healthy weight for your surgery and beyond.

Create a Balanced Diet Plan

A nutritious, balanced diet is essential for healthy weight loss. Focus on:

• Lean proteins (chicken, fish, legumes) to support muscle maintenance and promote satiety
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables for essential nutrients and fibre
• Whole grains for sustained energy
• Healthy fats in moderation (avocados, nuts, olive oil)

Reduce your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-calorie snacks. Consider consulting a nutritionist for a personalised meal plan tailored to your needs and preferences.

Incorporate Regular Exercise

Physical activity is key to effective weight loss and overall health improvement. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. This could include:

• Brisk walking or jogging
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Strength training

Remember to start slowly if you’re new to exercise and gradually increase intensity and duration. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have any health concerns.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is often overlooked in weight loss journeys. Drinking adequate water can help:

• Boost metabolism
• Reduce hunger pangs
• Improve exercise performance

Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, and more if you’re exercising or in hot weather.

Get Enough Sleep

Quality sleep is important for weight management. Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, leading to overeating. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule.

Manage Stress

Stress can lead to emotional eating and make it harder to stick to your weight loss plan. Incorporate stress-management techniques such as:

• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga
• Regular physical activity
• Hobbies or activities you enjoy

Resources for Weight Loss in Perth

Perth offers a wealth of resources to support your weight loss journey before plastic surgery. Here are some local options to consider:

Local Nutritionists and Dietitians

Professional nutrition advice can be invaluable when trying to lose weight. Perth has several qualified nutritionists and dietitians who can provide personalised meal plans and support:

Fitness Centres and Gyms

Regular exercise is important for weight loss. Perth has many fitness facilities catering to various preferences and fitness levels:

Healthy Meal Delivery Services

For those with busy schedules, meal delivery services can make sticking to a healthy diet easier:

Mobile Apps for Tracking Diet and Exercise

While not specific to Perth, these widely-used apps can be valuable tools:

• MyFitnessPal: Features: Calorie counting, exercise logging, extensive food database
• Lose It!: Features: Personalised weight loss plans, barcode scanner, meal planning

By using these local resources, you’ll have a strong support system as you work towards your weight loss goals in preparation for your plastic surgery.

Timeline – When to Start Your Weight Loss Journey

Planning your weight loss journey in preparation for plastic surgery requires careful timing. Starting too late may rush the process, while beginning too early could lead to weight fluctuations that affect your surgical outcomes. Here’s a general timeline to help you plan effectively:

Keep in mind that rapid weight loss immediately before surgery is not recommended. Your body needs to be in a stable, well-nourished state for optimal healing and recovery.

Throughout your weight loss journey, maintain open communication with your plastic surgeon. Dr. Watts can provide guidance on your progress and may adjust your surgery date if needed to ensure you’re at your optimal weight for the procedure.

FAQs about How to Lose Weight before Your Plastic Surgery in Perth