Can I get good results with a breast reduction and type one diabetes?

Question

I'm a type 1 diabetic. I also have very large breasts, 36 ddd. I've had some people tell me that breast reduction surgery is risky with diabetes because of blood flow. I know I need to get my a1c at a good number before any major surgery. I'm just worried about risk factors and the aftermath.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for this insightful question.  Suffering from diabetes does not exclude you from having a breast reduction.  If your diabetes is well controlled then your risks of complication is no greater than someone that does not suffer from diabetes. Please seek consultation from several board certified plastic surgeons.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast reduction can be done in a Type I diabetic. Make sure everything is coordinated between your plastic surgeon and primary care doctor.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Diabetes is often associated with damage to blood vessels throughout the body : in skin as well in organs such as the kidneys, heart and brain. This damage decreases the ability of oxygenated blood to flow through them so any stress or increase need for oxygen in these tissues may not be met and there will be tissue death. As a result, we make sure diabetic patients are well controlled and have a low HgBA1C. But with all this said and done do diabetics have a higher rate of surgical complications? Unfortunately they do. But controlling the diabetes for as long as possible before surgery is important but it will not eliminate complications.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A breast reduction can be performed on patients that have diabetes as long as their sugars are well controlled an they get medical clearance. Best of luck.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

We have had the opportunity to perform breast reduction for multiple patients who have had diabetes in our years of practice, and we have been very pleased with the results.  With the appropriate precautions, diabetic patients can certainly consider breast reduction if   They are otherwise healthy.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Of course, definitive assessment and advice would require in person evaluation.

“Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.
Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.

Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure. Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.Having Type 1 Diabetes is not a contra-indication for surgery - we would just have to ensure that your diabetes is under control and get medical clearance from your doctor prior to surgery.

I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Sherwood Baxt, MD (retired) · Answer

There is another option. For some patients the liposuction only reduction is an effective and safer choice. It's not for everyone but when you start doing consultations, also find a BCPS that specializes in this type of operation and you might be surprised at how quick and easy it is.

Can I get good results with a breast reduction and type one diabetes?

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