Is it safe to undergo plastic surgery as a type 1 diabetic?

Type 1 diabetes does not automatically rule out elective plastic surgery, but it does make preoperative planning more important. Safety depends on how well your blood sugar is controlled, your recent HbA1c, whether you have kidney, heart, circulation, or nerve problems, and the length and type of procedure.

For larger operations such as BBL or liposuction, I would want clearance from your endocrinologist or primary doctor, a clear insulin plan for the day of surgery, and surgery in an accredited facility with an anesthesia team comfortable managing diabetes. Poorly controlled glucose increases the risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and other complications, so surgery should usually be delayed until your diabetes is stable and optimized.

As long as your diabetes is well controlled, there is no reason you can’t undergo a bbl or any other procedure for that matter. You will just need to let your surgeon know, and they can always schedule you first thing in the morning, and monitor your levels during and after procedure. Now if your diabetes is not controlled, that should be your first priority as it will need to be somewhat regular to ensure you do not experience delayed healing after your procedure. I recommend only using a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your procedure. I would love to see you for a consult here at Smith Plastic Surgery when you are ready.

Dear bmora704,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, your glucose levels should be well controlled. You might need clearance from your doctor prior to surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Safe is a relative term. Having type one diabetes by itself is not an absolute contraindication for having elective cosmetic surgical procedures. Someone with severe diabetes that’s been poorly managed and is an overall poor health may not be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery. A young person with well-controlled diabetes who has no underlying medical problems. Should be fine to have an elective surgical procedure.
I suggest having multiple in person, consultations with local, board-certified plastic surgeons, who have extensive experience with this procedure.
During each consultation, you can ask first hand surgeon, feels about your medical history and your appropriateness for cosmetic surgery.
Ultimately, each individual surgeon will have the right of criteria.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD