Risks from Breast Augmentation for Diabetics?

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.  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!  

Thank you for the question.Well controlled diabetes is not a contraindication to breast augmentation 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.Best wishes.

Diabetics are known to be at increased risk of complications and wound healing issues.  Having said that, if your blood sugar is in good control, (we are usually guided by your HbA1C blood test), your risk of untoward events is low.  We usually would check with your regular doctor to make sure that you are a good candidate for surgery.