55 with A1C of 8.2 because I just received a steroid shot in my elbow. Can I get Liposuction and BBL?

I would not do surgery until your a1c normalized. There is no reason to push it. Your BMI and other medical conditions can put you at higher risk for complications. I would require medical clearance prior to surgery as well. The risk of fat clot is low if you go to an appropriately trained board certified plastic surgeon. Down time from work is usually a couple weeks.

There is a lot to unpack in your question and whether you are medically cleared is a decision for your regular doctor together with your plastic surgeon. First, steroid injections will elevate your blood sugar, but is NOT the reason for an elevated hgb A1C. It seems like your doctor agrees which is why he/she added a new medication (tjhey would not add a new med if it was just do to a steroid injection). A1C measures your glucose over a 3-4 months period, while steroids will only elevate your blood sugar on a very short term. You need to see your endocrinologist to see why your glucose is so high and not just think it is from a steroid shot. Also, poorly controlled diabetes will not place you at higher risk for a "fat clot". It will place you at risk for increased fat loss and wound healing problems. It sounds like you need some medical tune up before undergoing any elective cosmetic surgery.

Thank you for your question. From a professional point of view to have the procedure done the parameters must be optimal, however, your doctor might refer you to the endocrinologist to make sure is under control.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Dear ncrk4524,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, you should be healthy prior to surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

First, see or ask your chosen surgeon if he/she OK with these results. Second, see your primarily or internist for updated written clearances, because your chosen surgeon would or should require this. Third, maybe reschedule the surgery until your A1C goes back toward 7.1. In my practice I would clear you if repeat A1C were showing a downward trend.

Body contouring procedures typically give better results in younger patients. The primary reason for this is the lack of skin elasticities and skin laxity that develops with age.

You could probably still have a BBL but may need clearance from your internist depending on what each plastic surgeon feels is appropriate.

That’s where everybody else I suggest scheduling multiple in person consultations for local board certified plastic surgeons or have extensive experience with this procedure.

During the consultation you can get an honest assessment and better understanding of what this procedure can or cannot accomplish.

With current recommended safety precautions being used fat embolism rates are very low.

I don’t know if anyone has done a recent statistical assessment on fat embolism recently but it’s been many years since I’ve heard of that complication happening.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD