BMI and Mommy Make Over- Raleigh, NC*

This is a 32-year-old woman who lost about 100 pounds through diet and exercise. When she had another child she gained about 50 of it back and was never able to get her weight down. She presented for consideration of mommy make over type surgery desiring mastopexy and abdominoplasty with liposuction. Her body mass index was 35 and Dr. Lyle recommended getting it closer to 30. She was able to lose additional weight and get her body mass index down to 32.5. With no other health problems, this was felt to be an acceptable weight to perform surgery in Dr. Lyle's surgery Center. There is no "ideal BMI" for body contouring however risks of surgery increase with increasing BMI. Such problems as wound healing problems, blood clots and pulmonary emboli increase with increasing BMI. Each patient's body habitus also is different and some patients with higher BMIs are unlikely to affect the areas of concern with additional weight loss. BMI of 30 or less- is preferred and recommended. Patient's in the BMI of 30-35 range can also see significant improvements. They should be counselled about safe surgery however and be cognizant of the increased risks associated with higher weight ranges. The occasional patient with BMI over 35 may have safe surgery performed for isolated problems however Dr. Lyle only performs these in the hospital setting. This patient underwent mastopexy with abdominoplasty and liposuction. Although she is still overweight she is happy with her outcome.