How safe is Tummy Tuck for a diabetic?

I have recently been diagnosed as a diabetic and need to lose a substantial amount of weight. I think I may be left with a large flap of skin in my abdominal area and I was considering saving up to have a Tummy tuck a year or two from now.

But I am concerned about having such an operation as I am diabetic and I have been told that it's very important that I avoid injuries that involve bleeding as they may take a while to heal and would therfore leave me susceptible to infection. So, is it safe?

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8 answers to “How safe is Tummy Tuck for a diabetic?”

A: Tummy Tuck in a Diabetic

By Ricardo A. Meade, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

You're right to be concerned about your diabetes and if you read everybody else's response, it's clearly ok to do the surgery. An in-person consultation will be needed to find the details of your condition and make the ultimate decision of the safetly of this surgery for you. In my patient population,... more

A: Diabetes and cosmetic surgery

By Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD - Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

This is a great question, and the answer is that as long as your sugar level is well controlled you should be okay for your tummy tuck. However, please be aware that your risk of wound healing complications is higher because of the diabetes. But, with safe surgical technique and careful... more

A: Diabetes and Tummy Tuck

By Farbod Esmailian, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

You will be able to have a tummy tuck but your wound healing may be more delayed than someone who is not a diabetic. You are at risk for more wound healing complications. Having said that, if you are a diabetic that is extremely well controlled then it should not be an issue. You will need to keep... more

A: A diabetic can have Tummy Tuck safely

By Bruce Barach, MD - Albany Plastic Surgeon

You should not be overly worried. If you can lose the weight, then it is very reasonable that, once your entire situation has been completely stable for awhile, you might go forward with body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty. Be positive and optimistic and I'm sure you will do well.

A: Not as safe as in a non-diabetic but still possible

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

A tummy tuck in a diabetic carries more risk because of blood flow concerns than in a non-diabetic. Therefore it is critical that you choose a very experienced surgeon and do everything possible to optimize your health and weight preop to reduce the risks as much as possible.

A: Diabetes and tummy tuck

By Robin T.W. Yuan, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

The most important thing you mentioned is the fear that you will be left with hanging skin that would require a tummy tuck. So you grasp the importance of weight loss and control as a primary step in diabetic treatment. This might even make your diabetes go away or certainly less dangerous. Hopefully you... more

A: It is safe with tight control of your sugar

By George Marosan, MD - Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

I've done tummy tucks on diabetics, even body lifts after massive weight loss. They healed well without complications. The important thing is that your sugar needs to be tightly controlled. You must follow your internist's instructions closely. Your insulin requirements can change after surgery. I find that in... more

A: Tummy tuck healing in patients with diabetes

By Sam Jejurikar, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Without a doubt, diabetes has negative consequences on healing after tummy tuck. It's important that you are aware of that prior to surgery. That being said, with proper control of blood glucose levels, it is not a contraindication to surgery. Provided you have a well-trained, board-certified plastic... more