Will diabetes affect my surgery if I get a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction can be  performed safely for women with well controlled diabetes. Your primary care physician will play a vital role in a successful outcome. Preoperative evaluation including history, physical examination and laboratory tests (including hemoglobin A1c) will help to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. Additional cardiac testing may be required to determine if you are medically cleared for the procedure. Your primary care doctor will also participate in the management of your diabetes during and after the procedure. With optimal control of your diabetes, complications such as delayed healing, poor scarring, and infection can be minimized.

Breast reduction has one of the highest patient satisfaction ratings of any plastic surgery procedures. Breast reduction not only improves the way you look, but also alleviates the symptoms of large breasts, including back, neck and shoulder pain, rash, grooving of the shoulders, and reduced exercise tolerance. I would recommend a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best regards,

Andrew Lyos, MD, FAC

 

 

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. Patients are encouraged to try to have the procedure performed when they are at their long-term stable weight if possible.

Well-controlled diabetes will not  in itself  pose a contraindication to breast reduction surgery. I would suggest an evaluation and “medical clearance” from  your primary care physician.

Best wishes.