Hi, I am interested in learning more about breast augmentation and would like to understand 2 things related to Type 1 Diabetics: 1. What is the health criteria to determine if a type 1 diabetic is safe to undergo surgery 2. What is the expected recovery time for exercise (pilates specifically if that detail matters)? Thank u
August 8, 2025
Answer: T1D and breast augmentation Hi Patty and thanks for your question. As the father of 2 T1D children I can understand your concerns.If your DM is well managed with a good HbA1C then initially it is a matter of managing your BGL while fasting before surgery. The process depends upon whether you are on a pump or injections/pens. You will need to be well coming into your surgery and usually a diabetic will go first on the operating list. With the natural stress hormones the body produces with surgery, you will likely need a little more basal insulin following surgery for about 24 hours, but a breast augment is usually only a mild insult to the body from a stress response perspective so this is often subtle.Your facility/anaesthetist will co-ordinate specifics for you. If on pens or injections, in general half the daily long acting and no short acting while fasting, monitoring your BGL every 2 hours if not on a CGM.Life is much simpler on a CGM and pump. Easy to monitor your BGL and the pump will automate your basal insulin. Small hypo-treats available!During surgery and initially in the post-op recovery some anaesthetists will prefer you to be off the pump and allow them to share your BGLs from your phone and correct as needed. However this is a short procedure of about 1 hour. Without a CGM or pump, regular BGLs till eating and a sliding scale of insulin accordingly.Certainly achievable, not a huge stress response with this surgery, just needs to managed thoughtfully and you know your DM better than anyone. Surgery is a partnership, your thoughts should be taken into consideration regarding your DM just as your recovery should be directed by your surgeon.Regarding getting back to pilates. Depends upon the surgeon, implant pocket (above or below the muscle) and time. Pilates includes significant upper body activation. For my patients, full range of movement within a couple of hours after surgery. But this is movement not exercise. Above the muscle, 8 weeks for all activities. Below the muscle, 8 weeks for moderate upper body exercise and 12 weeks for max exertion. These are guides of course and your surgeon is the best person to talk to.Best of luck.
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August 8, 2025
Answer: T1D and breast augmentation Hi Patty and thanks for your question. As the father of 2 T1D children I can understand your concerns.If your DM is well managed with a good HbA1C then initially it is a matter of managing your BGL while fasting before surgery. The process depends upon whether you are on a pump or injections/pens. You will need to be well coming into your surgery and usually a diabetic will go first on the operating list. With the natural stress hormones the body produces with surgery, you will likely need a little more basal insulin following surgery for about 24 hours, but a breast augment is usually only a mild insult to the body from a stress response perspective so this is often subtle.Your facility/anaesthetist will co-ordinate specifics for you. If on pens or injections, in general half the daily long acting and no short acting while fasting, monitoring your BGL every 2 hours if not on a CGM.Life is much simpler on a CGM and pump. Easy to monitor your BGL and the pump will automate your basal insulin. Small hypo-treats available!During surgery and initially in the post-op recovery some anaesthetists will prefer you to be off the pump and allow them to share your BGLs from your phone and correct as needed. However this is a short procedure of about 1 hour. Without a CGM or pump, regular BGLs till eating and a sliding scale of insulin accordingly.Certainly achievable, not a huge stress response with this surgery, just needs to managed thoughtfully and you know your DM better than anyone. Surgery is a partnership, your thoughts should be taken into consideration regarding your DM just as your recovery should be directed by your surgeon.Regarding getting back to pilates. Depends upon the surgeon, implant pocket (above or below the muscle) and time. Pilates includes significant upper body activation. For my patients, full range of movement within a couple of hours after surgery. But this is movement not exercise. Above the muscle, 8 weeks for all activities. Below the muscle, 8 weeks for moderate upper body exercise and 12 weeks for max exertion. These are guides of course and your surgeon is the best person to talk to.Best of luck.
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