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Am I Healthy Enough for Plastic Surgery?

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Man standing on a scale in his bathroom and smiling at his weightUndergoing a plastic surgery procedure can be one of the most transformative experiences in your life. Plastic surgery can rejuvenate your body and mind, allowing you to feel comfortable with and confident in the way you look. 

However, there are many misconceptions that people have about plastic surgery procedures, including the belief that some cosmetic procedures can be used to lose weight and eliminate the  need for a healthy lifestyle.

The truth is that plastic surgery procedures help to correct cosmetic issues on the outside of your body. 

While some of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures are body contouring procedures which tend to involve the removal of fat pockets from the body (such as Mommy Makeover surgery, tummy tuck surgery, liposuction surgery, and surgery after weight loss), the fact remains that these procedures are not meant to be weight loss procedures. 

Plastic surgery is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, which involves regular exercise and a balanced and nutritious diet. 

When talking about plastic surgery candidacy with prospective patients, it is important that the health of the individual is at the forefront.

How to Know if I am a Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

One of the most important aspects of any plastic surgery procedure is the consultation. At your consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will have the chance to explain your frustrations and concerns along with your aesthetic goals. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your body to determine which procedure(s) is best for you. 

Ideal plastic surgery candidates are non-smoking individuals who are in good general health and have realistic expectations about their results. 

Why Do I Need to Be in Good Health?

There’s no way around it: at its core, plastic surgery is creating a controlled injury to the body. While the body is able to heal from this trauma, it doesn’t take away the fact that incisions are being made in your skin and parts of your body (internally and externally) are being manipulated. 

Because of this, you need to be healthy. 

BMI calculator diagram

Poor lifestyle habits like smoking or excessive drinking can interfere with this requirement. For instance, smoking causes the blood vessels in your body to become constricted, which limits blood flow and circulation in your body. This can cause complications both during and after your procedure. 

The other aspect of health that needs to be considered for prospective plastic surgery patients is BMI (body mass index). BMI is a metric that categorizes the health of a person based on their height and weight

Essentially, there is a healthy weight range for each individual height, and having too much or too little weight for your height can be problematic, especially when undergoing something as traumatic to your body as plastic surgery.

If your BMI is too high or too low, complications can arise during and after your plastic surgery, such as problems with your immune system, organ failure, and a longer recovery time

Because of this, it is important that you are at or near your ideal weight before you undergo plastic surgery.

Interested in Learning More?

If you have any questions about whether you are healthy enough for plastic surgery, then contact Dr. Alexander & Co. in Las Vegas by calling 702-242-6776 or by filling out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best.

Dr. Alexander's Office

A top Plastic Surgeon, Dr. George Alexander, serving more happy patients in Las Vegas, the United States and Internationally.

Dr. Alexander & Co

1725 Village Center Circle, Suite 150
Las Vegas, Nevada USA | (702) 242-6776

"Dr. Alexander and his staff are all accommodating and friendly. Dr. Alexander takes time to really address your concerns and questions. He is an awesome doctor. We highly recommend him to anyone in need of cosmetic surgery.” five star rating

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