Defining a Safe Body Mass Index Threshold in Plastic Surgery

Through logistic regression analysis of the ACS-NSQIP database, this study demonstrates that elevated BMI alone may not lead to serious postoperative complications until reaching values above 35 or 40 kg/m2. Nevertheless, when a comorbidity is present, a BMI of 30 kg/m2 may be associated with increased risk of complications. This study also shows that BMI-related risks varied by surgical site, with more pronounced complication risk in adipose-rich surgical sites such as the abdomen. It is essential to take a more individualized risk-stratified approach to preoperative patient evaluation with careful consideration of a patient's comorbidities and overall health status.