Mommy makeover - What is the recovery like for a diabetic? Why don’t some surgeons operate on diabetics?

Thank you for your question. While it is possible for a diabetic to undergo elective surgery, there are some conditions. The risks for complications like infection and delayed wound healing are much higher in diabetics, which is why many surgeons won’t perform plastic surgery on them. However, if your diabetes is well controlled and you have medical clearance from the doctor treating you for diabetes, you may be able to undergo a mommy makeover. I recommend that you schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, and talk with them about your options for surgery. They can examine you and go over your medical history to ascertain the best course of action for you. Good luck

Diabetes can cause delayed wound healing and increased risk for infection, especially when HA1C  levels are high.  For this reason, surgeons may request a recent HA1C level and medical clearance prior to surgery.  They may also deny surgery to patients who have uncontrolled diabetes as the surgical risks do not outweigh benefits.  If diabetes is well controlled, you may still be a candidate for surgery although exact criteria vary from surgeon to surgeon. 

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question , the recovery of diabetics its normal if the patients have levels of sugar in normal range.

Dear Tamecca_c,as long as your diabetes is well controlled, you might be a candidate for a surgery. Recovery time depends mostly on type of surgery which is performed. You will need more recovery time after tummy tuck than after BA. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tamecca_c.  I appreciate your dilemma, but diabetes is not a contraindication to cosmetic surgery and certainly not mommy makeover surgery. However, diabetes must be under complete control with normal blood sugars and all other medical conditions must be considered and medical clearance from your primary doctor is a must. The problem with  diabetes after Tummytuck and breast reduction can be delayed wound healing. These procedures may need to be performed more conservatively in diabetics. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss all your medical issues. Good luck. 

If blood sugars are well controlled, end organ damage is minimal, and you are otherwise healthy, the MM can usually be performed safely. Share this info with your PS as he/she will require that you be cleared by your PCP, endocrinologist, or whichever specialist is treating your diabetic condition. If surgery is performed, there will probably be a need to be more cautious during the recovery period.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Hello Tamecca_c,
I appreciate your questions! Based on my experience performing mommy makeover procedures, diabetic patients are not automatically disqualified from getting plastic surgery. However, before committing to a mommy makeover, patients should be in good physical and mental health. Preferably, they must be free of any active diseases that could make them unable to endure the surgery recovery period. Medical conditions like diabetes increase the risk of complications (such as infections), if the diabetes is not controlled adequately. Set up an in-person or virtual consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon to assess your candidacy for mommy makeover and discuss your specific needs and cosmetic goals. Kind regards! Dr. De La Cruz.      

If your blood glucose levels are in good control you may still be a candidate for elective plastic surgery.  Diabetes puts the patient at higher risk for complications such as infection and wound healing issues, and the risk increases if blood glucose levels are not well managed.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to learn more.

Hello and thank you for your question.
People with diabetes may experience prolonged healing times and more risk of infections and wound healing complications especially if their blood sugar is not well controlled. As long as the blood sugar levels are well controlled a diabetic may be a candidate for a mommy makeover.
I recommend you seek a board-eligible or board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery. Make sure they discuss all your concerns including the risks, benefits, recovery, and postoperative course. A work up will include having your HgA1C checked and any other medical conditions in order to get you optimized for surgery.
I believe a key component of the consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon. If you don’t feel like you have a good connection then they may not be the best surgeon for you.
Good luck!
Olivier A. Deigni, MD, MPH
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Diabetes is not a absolute contraindication to have plastic surgery. The condition must be under strict control, and in general, that patient should have no incrreased risk of complications.It is not advisable to operate on diabetics whose blood sugars are out of control, because of the increased risk of infection and wound healing problems.