Why This Article Exists
We believe in helping you make the right decision—even if that means advising against surgery. The goal isn't to sell you a procedure; it's to help you get safe, successful results. For some people, that means waiting, addressing health issues first, or not traveling abroad.
Categories We'll Cover
Medical Contraindications
These conditions significantly increase surgical risk. Most reputable surgeons will not operate until they're addressed:
High-Risk Medical Conditions
- Uncontrolled diabetes: Impairs healing, increases infection risk
- Heart conditions: Arrhythmias, recent heart attack, unstable angina
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure: Bleeding risk during/after surgery
- Blood clotting disorders: Both excessive clotting and bleeding disorders
- Immunocompromised conditions: HIV/AIDS with low CD4, autoimmune disorders on immunosuppressants
- Sleep apnea: Anesthesia risk—requires CPAP evaluation
- Anemia: May require treatment before surgery
- Liver or kidney disease: Affects medication metabolism
- Active infections: Surgery will be postponed
- Pregnancy: Absolute contraindication
BMI Requirements
Most surgeons have BMI limits for safety reasons. Higher BMI increases complications including DVT, infection, poor healing, and anesthesia risks.
| BMI Range | Typical Surgeon Policy |
|---|---|
| Under 30 | Preferred range for most procedures |
| 30–35 | Accepted with additional clearances |
| 35–40 | Some surgeons will operate; limited procedures |
| Over 40 | Most surgeons will not operate |
If Your BMI Is Too High
This isn't rejection—it's protection. Many patients lose weight first, then return for surgery with much better results and lower risk. Consider it a timeline adjustment, not a closed door.
Smoking & Nicotine
Smoking Dramatically Increases Risk
- 2.3x more complications than non-smokers
- 3.3x higher infection risk
- Increased risk of tissue death (necrosis)
- Poor wound healing and worse scarring
- Higher chance of wound separation
Minimum cessation requirement: 4–6 weeks before AND after surgery. This includes:
- Cigarettes
- Vaping/e-cigarettes
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine patches
- Chewing tobacco
- Marijuana (also affects anesthesia)
They Will Test You
Many surgeons perform nicotine blood tests before surgery. Lying about smoking status puts your life at risk and can result in cancelled surgery with no refund.
Psychological Factors
Mental health matters for surgical outcomes. These factors can affect satisfaction and healing:
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Obsessive focus on perceived flaws that others don't see. Surgery rarely satisfies and may require psychiatrist clearance.
Unrealistic Expectations
Expecting surgery to fix relationships, career, or happiness. Surgery changes your body, not your life circumstances.
External Pressure
Getting surgery for a partner, family member, or social pressure rather than your own desire. Recipe for regret.
Recent Major Life Stress
Divorce, job loss, death in family. Major life changes aren't the time for elective surgery. Wait until you're stable.
Untreated Depression or Anxiety
Can affect recovery, pain perception, and satisfaction with results. Get stable first.
Financial Red Flags
Don't Proceed If:
- • Surgery requires extreme financial strain or high-interest debt
- • No budget for unexpected complications ($500–$1,000 emergency fund minimum)
- • Cannot afford adequate time off work for recovery
- • No funds for medical tourism insurance
- • Seeking the cheapest possible option at the expense of safety
Travel Contraindications
Medical tourism has specific requirements. These situations make traveling abroad for surgery problematic:
Cannot Stay Minimum 10–14 Days
You need clearance before flying home. If you can only take a week off, don't travel for surgery.
No Support System for Home Recovery
Recovery continues after you return. You need someone who can help at home for at least the first week back.
Unable to Arrange Follow-Up Care
You need a local doctor who can see you if issues arise after returning home.
Significant Travel Anxiety
If flying or being in a foreign country causes severe anxiety, the stress can affect healing.
The Bottom Line
A good surgeon will tell you NO if you're not a candidate. If a surgeon accepts everyone regardless of health status, that's a red flag. Being told to wait, lose weight, quit smoking, or address health issues first is the surgeon protecting you—not rejecting you.