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Can a Type 2 Diabetic Undergo Tummy Tuck?

asked 3 years ago by bamasmith in Smiths Station, Alabama
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 3,817 times
Tags: diabetes

13 answers to Can a Type 2 Diabetic Undergo Tummy Tuck?

+3

Diabetes and Abdominoplasty Tummy Tuck: Complications and Caveats. Insulin and Glucose Control

Abdominoplasty techniques are useful in the management of abdominal wall laxity, and redundancy of skin and fat along the lower abdomen. There are several things to consider in planning an abdominoplasty. Anesthesia Risk Surgical Risk Postoperative Complication Risk Always choose a well qualified, board certified plastic surgeon to perform your abdominoplasty operation. Second, never cut corners on anesthesia, surgery center, or surgical care. Choosing the best plastic surgeon... more
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+3

If your condition is well controlled, surgery is OK

Many people wanting elective cosmetic operations have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. The bottom line is: if your disease is under control, surgery should be a reasonable option. But the emphasis goes on the first issue, control of your underlying disease. So, if your blood sugars are well controlled, you shold be able to have a tummy tuck. There are few things, however, that should be attended to. If you are overweight, you... more
David B. Reath, MD

Knoxville Plastic Surgeon

plasticsurgeryknoxville.com

+2

Type 2 Diabetes is not a contraindication for surgery on its own.

Having type 2 diabetes is not a contraindication to having an abdominoplasty on its own. However, it is advisable to only undergo this type of procedure if your blood sugars are well controlled. You should inform your surgeon of how your blood sugars range and what your A1C's run. You may need to undergo further medical workup including an EKG or a treadmill test and medical clearance. Your blood surgars should also be well controlled to also achieve better wound healing. Good luck.... more
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Diabetics can undergo cosmetic surgery with extra care.

Diabetics can undergo cosmetic surgery if they are in good control of their sugars. Even with this diabetes does increase the risk of infection and so you will need clsoe monitoring of your sugars after surgery. These are concerns that you should discuss with your primary care doctor as well as your plastic surgeon. That said with close monitoring and good communications between you, your primary care doctor and your plastic surgeon you should be able to consider cosmetic surgery.... more
Susan E. Downey, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Yes, but control is important

I agree that your diagnosis is not as important as the degree to which your diabetes is controlled in the period around your surgery. If your blood sugar is under good control on a stable dose of oral hypoglycemic, you should be at low risk of problems after surgery (although your risk would still be a bit higher than the general population). Managing your blood sugar after the surgery will also take extra care, as Dr. Di Sala mentions, so I would be prepared to take extra blood sugar... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+2

Yes

As Dr. Seify accurated commented, type II diabetics can safely undergo tummy tuck surgery - with proper precautions. Careful pre-operative evaluation is necessary to make sure the procedure is tolerated without incident. Fastidious sugar management is important. Diligent post-operative care is a must. That being said, I've done tummy tucks - even body lifts - on Type II diabetics, and they have all done well. Good luck with your research! Dr. Kaufman
David L. Kaufman, MD

Folsom Plastic Surgeon
+2

Not a contraindication but ...!

Type 2 Diabetes by itself is not a contraindication for surgery but the following needs to be addressed: 1-Your blood sugar level should be under control. Clearance from your family doctor is a good idea. 2-Full labs and EKG. 3-Since the stress of surgery will increase the requirement for the insulin hormone. An overnight stay at a medical facility with nursing supervision might be a safe thing to do. It is not uncommon to switch to Insulin in the first few days after surgery. 4-In general... more
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck in type 2 Diabetes

Clearly you are at elevated risk for any surgical procedure and it does come down to your risk tolerance ratio. Many would advise you forego the abdominoplasty and liposuction. The possibility of wound healing problems, clotting, heart disease, etc would outweigh the benefits. Others might recommend a compromise procedure such as a panniculectomy which is less complicated than a full tummy tuck. In any case you should optimize your health prior to undergoing any elective... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Diabetics can have cosmetic surgery if their health is stable.

Being a diabetic does not disqualify a patient from elective cosmetic surgery outright.  However, there are increased risks and if the medical conditions of the patient are excessive, the surgeon would advise the patient against surgery.  I have operated on many diabetic patients who, besides the controlled diabetes, are in good health.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Diabetics CAN undergo Cosmetic Surgery

Having diabetes does NOT disqualify you from having Cosmetic Surgery, having the complications of diabetes and associated diseases would raise the risk factors considerably.  If your diabetes is well controlled (your HgBA1C is normal or close to it) and you do not have silent heart disease, there is no reason why you cannot have a safe cosmetic surgery. For this reason, I would recommend that you have a cardiologic work up and be cleared by your Internist for this procedure... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Type II diabetics and tummy tucks

Tummy tucks are extremely popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Keep in mind that this is a significant abdominal surgery with a significant recovery process. During the surgery your surgeon will elevate a skin and muscle flap and move your upper abdominal skin down to the pubic region. This can create a significant recovery process. Although it is possible for a type II diabetic to have a tummy tuck, there is an increased risk with wound healing. Your best bet is to work... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

+1

Tummy tucks are all about blood supply

Tummy Tucks lift skin and fat and move them downward to remove as much excess skin and fat as possible. The lifted skin loses blood supply during the process. The skin is then pulled and loses some blood supply. These stresses make tummy tucks on patients with vascular issues less desirable. The best example is a smoker. Diabetes should not be included in that group. However, as a diabetic you can have other medical problems that make you a poor candidate for any type of surgery. See you... more
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Diabetes and Tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is possible in a diabetic as long as the diabetes is well controlled and you have adequate medical evaluation and clearance by your internist.  On the other hand, diabetics tend to have higher complication rates especially dealing with wound healing problems.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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