LHC $\beta^*$ reach in 2012

The available aperture in the LHC imposes a lower limit on the achievable $\beta^*$ . The aperture must be protected by the collimation system, and the collimator families have to be ordered in a strict hierarchy for optimal performance, with large enough margins so that the hierarchy is not violated by machine imperfections such as closed orbit distortions or $\beta$-beating. The achievable $\beta^*$ is thus a function of both the aperture and the collimator settings. An overview of the run in 2011 is presented, as well as a review of the necessary margins between collimator families and the aperture. Finally an outlook towards possible scenarios for $\beta^*$ in 2012 and at higher energies is given.