Can my Body Mass Index affect my Surgery?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measurement based on your weight and height, commonly used as a general indicator of nutritional status. But does BMI affect your chances or outcome of Facial Gender Affirming Surgery? The short answer is no, there’s no absolute BMI-related contraindication. However, it can play a role in some parts of the surgical process and recovery.
Does BMI Matter in Facial Gender Affirming Surgery?
While BMI isn’t a strict barrier to surgery, it can influence some important parts of the process. For example:
- Anesthesia risks: Higher BMI may increase the chance of complications during anesthesia, especially if other health issues are present.
- Healing and recovery: Very high or very low BMI can affect how your body heals, with potential for more inflammation or slower recovery.
- Blood clot risks: Obesity can raise the risk of blood clots, so preventive measures are crucial.
- Appearance of results: More facial fat might temporarily hide the bone contours right after surgery, but these become clearer as swelling goes down.
- Surgery length and pressure: Longer surgeries like FFS can cause numbness or tingling in areas like the legs due to pressure, especially in patients with higher body weight. We take special care to avoid this by using cushions and repositioning during surgery.
On the flip side, a very low BMI means we pay extra attention to your nutritional support and physical strength during recovery.
How Do We Prepare Our Patients?
At Facialteam, your safety and well-being come first. Before surgery, we conduct a thorough health evaluation with our multidisciplinary team, looking beyond just your BMI number to understand your overall condition.
We always invite you to maintain a balanced diet, stay as active as possible, and follow medical instructions carefully. The goal isn’t to reach a “perfect BMI” but to be in the best shape to support a smooth surgery and recovery.
A Successful Gender Affirming Journey Starts with a Conversation
Your journey toward Facial Gender Affirming Surgery is unique, and it all begins with an open, caring conversation. Talk to our specialists today to discuss your goals, ask questions, and create a personalized plan that helps you feel truly yourself every step of the way.
Personalized Care Is Key
Facial gender affirming surgery is a unique, transformative step for each person. While BMI can influence some aspects of your surgical journey, it does not decide whether you can have gender affirming surgeries or not.
With proper medical support, personalized preparation, and an experienced surgical team, your gender affirming surgery can be safe and effective, no matter your BMI.
