If I am in ketosis, is this dangerous for surgery?

Question

I have been following a low carb diet for about a month and a half now and I am due to have a bbl in two weeks. I am active, take arnica, bromelain, womens one a day, and iron. I also do not skip my veggies. Needless to say, I get all of my nutrients. I cant find any info online where it says anything about ketosis and cosmetic surgery. I wanted to get more than one opinion, because people either love low carb, or they hate it. I feel great btw :)

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.When you're in ketosis, your body uses your own fat as fuel. This does not make sense to be doing around the time of a BBL. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Take care,
Moises Salama M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

If your diet has put you into a state of ketosis, you really need to stop it and discuss with your surgeon.  In that setting you are at higher risk for complications.  Good luck!

Steven M. Gitt, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a life threatening condition and is a grave risk factor for surgery. When carbohydrates are withdrawn, the body does what it would do in anyone – it starts to make ketones out of fat and proteins. Diet driven ketosis, on the other hand, is an entirely different animal. It is different because, unlike an insulin dependent diabetic, you have the ability to produce insulin, preventing the build up to dangerous levels of ketones that approach 15-25 mM that would result in pH changes leading to acidosis, a profound metabolic derangement occurring in such critically ill patients. Your body has the ability to self regulate that is lacking in the insulin dependent diabetic so it is unlikely that your form of ketosis is a big risk factor. Of course, you should have that discussion with your surgeon and follow his/her recommendations. Good luck!

If I am in ketosis, is this dangerous for surgery?

Answers (3)