I'm a 24 yr old Type 1 diabetic. I want to get breast implants, but my blood sugar levels have been high lately. Any suggestion?

Question

Can I still be operated, and what are my risks?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

If your Hemoglobin A1C is in a range which the endocrinologist and surgeon find to be acceptable (usually in the 6 to 7 range), you should be able to have your surgery.  Controlling your sugar is important for wound healing, fighting infection and the recovery from anesthesia however.  So if your short term sugars are high, you need to ask your endocrinologist to help you get them in line before surgery as well (HA1C is a measure of long term sugar control).

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Your sugar needs to be properly controlled to avoid healing problems, infection and other risks.Medical clearance is needed prior to implant surgery.  Coordinating with your plastic surgeon is recommended.

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is
important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best
resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and
concerns.

Having said that, find a plastic surgeon and discuss with them all of your health issues and they will guide you. Diabetics can have breast implants.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is important to control you sugars well before having surgery. Perhaps you should see your medical doctor to better regulate the levels.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

You know the answer to this question -- get your sugars and your A1C under control. Talk to your primary care MD and your diet doctor === plastic surgeons cant help with that -- we can do the surgery when you are in control of your medical problems

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.   Before any procedure, our goal is to have your blood sugars under very good control to decrease the potential for complications.   Would talk with your endocrinologist or primary care physician, obtain a hemoglobin A1C lab test, and get your medications adjusted prior to breast augmentation.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very important to have good control of your blood sugar levels before contemplating cosmetic surgery. You must be cleared by your endocrinologist and I doubt that I would be realistic with high blood sugar levels.  Poorly controlled diabetes can affect wound healing and surgical recovery as well as having consequences for your long term health so getting it under control is essential.  Best of luck!

Charles K. Herman, MD, FACS · Answer

Cosmetic surgery is elective surgery.  Risks of surgery increase if comorbid conditions, such as diabetes, are not well-controlled.  In particular, studies have shown an increased risk of infection from surgery in patients with poorly controlled blood sugars.  Therefore, I would recommend optimal control of your blood sugars before planning surgery.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, ncanann.  Having your blood sugar level under controlled is very important not only for your general health and for your surgery and recovery.  Since breast augmentation is an elective procedure, please get your diabetes under control prior to your surgery.  Please see your endocrinologist or primary care physician for treatment.  Best regards.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You do need to get your blood sugars controlled for your health. Once controlled, you may be a candidate for surgery. It is very important that your sugars stay well controlled during and after surgery to minimize complications and risk of infection.

I'm a 24 yr old Type 1 diabetic. I want to get breast implants, but my blood sugar levels have been high lately. Any suggestion?

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