I am a 19-year type 1 diabetic. I have not had any problems with my weight management through out the course of my life. I exercise regularly and keep tight control of my diabetes. I check my glucose levels about every two hours through out the day. I am now faced with a bulging mid-section after being pregnant and giving birth to a rather large baby (over 10 lbs). My HA1C test during pregnancy was 5.8. I have consulted with two plastic surgeons about getting a Tummy Tuck, and neither of them had a problem with me being diabetic. However, there was one plastic surgeon's office I contacted first and I was flat out refused. I was told that the surgeon would not even consider doing such a procedure on me because I am diabetic. She also warned that I should be cautious of anyone willing to perform the procedure on me. This news is unfortunate for me, because this doctor seems to be very skilled and have great training, not to mention does great work with belly buttons. I am wondering, is what I was told valid or was the person I spoke with speaking irrationally?
Answer: Tummy tucks and diabetes Diabetics can have successful surgeries.
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
Book a consultation
CONTACT NOW Answer: Tummy tucks and diabetes Diabetics can have successful surgeries.
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
Book a consultation
CONTACT NOW Answer: Should diabetics avoid tummy tuck? Hello! Thank you for your question! There are a few medical comorbidities that contribute to a higher risk during any surgical procedure including infections, wound complications, delayed wound healing, bleeding, anesthetic risks, etc. Diabetes is one that is known to have an increased risk for infections and wound healing issues. There are a number of both systemic and local host factors that can contribute to infections. Whether or not diabetics are truly at greater risk and the magnitude of the effect of diabetes on the risk of infection remain controversial. However, there is a known increased propensity to develop infections and delayed healing. Some of the hyperglycemia-related impairments on the immune response include vascular insufficiency, sensory peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and skin and mucosal colonization with pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species. That being said, well-controlled diabetes should equate a minimal increased risk for the above and surgical procedures still safe and a reasonable decision. You should ensure adequate glucose control always, but also obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician that you are at an acceptable risk for undergoing a surgical procedure. Laboratory results such as HgbA1C is a good measure of control. Discuss all of your medical comorbidities and medication with your surgeon prior and discuss these risks. Measures will be taken to check levels as well as maintain proper glucose control with appropriate fluids and medications. This procedure should still be very safe for you and hope for an uncomplicated course with an excellent result! Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
Helpful
Book a virtual consultation
CONTACT NOW Answer: Should diabetics avoid tummy tuck? Hello! Thank you for your question! There are a few medical comorbidities that contribute to a higher risk during any surgical procedure including infections, wound complications, delayed wound healing, bleeding, anesthetic risks, etc. Diabetes is one that is known to have an increased risk for infections and wound healing issues. There are a number of both systemic and local host factors that can contribute to infections. Whether or not diabetics are truly at greater risk and the magnitude of the effect of diabetes on the risk of infection remain controversial. However, there is a known increased propensity to develop infections and delayed healing. Some of the hyperglycemia-related impairments on the immune response include vascular insufficiency, sensory peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and skin and mucosal colonization with pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species. That being said, well-controlled diabetes should equate a minimal increased risk for the above and surgical procedures still safe and a reasonable decision. You should ensure adequate glucose control always, but also obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician that you are at an acceptable risk for undergoing a surgical procedure. Laboratory results such as HgbA1C is a good measure of control. Discuss all of your medical comorbidities and medication with your surgeon prior and discuss these risks. Measures will be taken to check levels as well as maintain proper glucose control with appropriate fluids and medications. This procedure should still be very safe for you and hope for an uncomplicated course with an excellent result! Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
Helpful
Book a virtual consultation
CONTACT NOW
April 23, 2014
Answer: Should Diabetics Avoid Tummy Tuck? Well controlled diabetes is not a contraindication to tummy tuck surgery and/or other elective plastic surgical procedures. Always best to check with your primary care physician or endocrinologist for “medical clearance” prior to surgery. Managing your diabetic medications around the time of surgery (to avoid hypo as well as hyperglycemia), while you will have altered oral intake, will be important. I hope this, and the attached link, helps.
Helpful
Book a virtual consultation
CONTACT NOW April 23, 2014
Answer: Should Diabetics Avoid Tummy Tuck? Well controlled diabetes is not a contraindication to tummy tuck surgery and/or other elective plastic surgical procedures. Always best to check with your primary care physician or endocrinologist for “medical clearance” prior to surgery. Managing your diabetic medications around the time of surgery (to avoid hypo as well as hyperglycemia), while you will have altered oral intake, will be important. I hope this, and the attached link, helps.
Helpful
Book a virtual consultation
CONTACT NOW
FIND THE RIGHT
TREATMENT FOR YOU
December 28, 2008
Answer: Sugar control is the key It sounds as if you keep a very tight control on your blood sugar and HgA1C. That is probably the most important part of minimizing your risks for surgery. You probably already know that diabetes affects many organ systems in the body, which does equate to some higher risks for surgery. Diabetes is NOT an absolute contraindication to elective cosmetic surgery as long as you understand your risk category. Some plastic surgeons, for many reasons, may elect not to operate on any patient with diabetes. There are many excellent board certified plastic surgeons in your area, so seek out one who is comfortable with the slightly higher complication rate that your condition represents. Good luck!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Book a virtual consultation
CONTACT NOW December 28, 2008
Answer: Sugar control is the key It sounds as if you keep a very tight control on your blood sugar and HgA1C. That is probably the most important part of minimizing your risks for surgery. You probably already know that diabetes affects many organ systems in the body, which does equate to some higher risks for surgery. Diabetes is NOT an absolute contraindication to elective cosmetic surgery as long as you understand your risk category. Some plastic surgeons, for many reasons, may elect not to operate on any patient with diabetes. There are many excellent board certified plastic surgeons in your area, so seek out one who is comfortable with the slightly higher complication rate that your condition represents. Good luck!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Book a virtual consultation
CONTACT NOW
September 22, 2015
Answer: Tummy Tuck and Diabetes Thank you for your question. It sounds as though your diabetes is in excellent control. Although diabetes does increase the risk of infection and surgical healing problems, it is not prohibitive by any means. I think with careful glycemic control and close involvement of your endocrinologist, the operation can be done very safely. I would not be upset by the office practice of one surgeon. I would continue to interview surgeons in your area or even outside, until you find someone that you are confident with. I wish you all the best.Dr. Gill
Helpful
September 22, 2015
Answer: Tummy Tuck and Diabetes Thank you for your question. It sounds as though your diabetes is in excellent control. Although diabetes does increase the risk of infection and surgical healing problems, it is not prohibitive by any means. I think with careful glycemic control and close involvement of your endocrinologist, the operation can be done very safely. I would not be upset by the office practice of one surgeon. I would continue to interview surgeons in your area or even outside, until you find someone that you are confident with. I wish you all the best.Dr. Gill
Helpful
