Is it safe to undergo liposuction and a fat transfer on metformin?

Question

I’m on metformin for my PCOS is this drug safe for me to undergo surgery or will I have to stop before surgery?

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Metformin lowers blood sugar levels. As far as you are in good health and your bllod tests are normal before your operation, you should be fine. For optimal outcome, please consult a fully qualified plastic surgeon, who has specialist qualification in plastic surgery 'FRCS Plast' after having being trained adequately in the field of plastic surgery, is registered on the 'Specialist register for Plastic surgery' with the General Medical Council and has been considered competent enough to be a member of the 'BAPRAS' (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and 'BAAPS' (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) at the least.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

missincognitox.   It is always wise to inform your board-certified plastic surgeon all medications that you are taking. Metformin should not preclude you from undergoing liposuction, however I would first discuss the issue with your medical doctor and plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A relatively new method of treating ovulation problems in women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) is to use metformin.  Taking Metformin should not preclude you from having liposuction as long as you have medical clearance from your PCP and your preoperative blood work is within normal limits.  Provide your PS with your medical history so that he/she can collaborate with your PCP regarding whether to stop the medication pre-op.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Generally, there is no clinical evidence that supports the contraindication of surgery to individuals under metformin medication. However, possible associated risk may be the effect of metformin which lowers blood sugar. It would be best to schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination and a detailed discussion of your surgical options.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, missincognitox.
In general, you should be in an overall good state of health before you can undergo any type of plastic surgery, including liposuction.
To be sure that it’s safe for you to get lipo, you should consult your licensed physician and get clearance from him/her to undergo surgery.
Best of luck!

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Missincognitox,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Neither PCOS, nor metformin use are absolute contraindications to have liposuction. However, you will need a medical evaluation prior to your surgery to ensure that you are not at an elevated surgical risk. I have found that many patients can get GOOD results with liposuction alone, and EXCELLENT results with IDEAL Liposuction! IDEAL Lipo is a proprietary technique that we have been developing for the past 12 years. First off, all devices and instruments used are FDA-approved, unlike some of the liposuction and fat transfer devices being used today. These procedures are typically performed in the office, with only local anesthesia (although patients can request deeper sedation, if they so desire). We typically use Smart / Laser Liposuction or VASER (ultrasound) to reduce dense, fibrous fat, and stimulate collagen formation; Radiofrequency-based skin tightening (like Body Tite, or Thermi) to maximize skin contraction; and Ultrasound, RF, or subcision (Z Wave, Venus, Cellfina) to treat cellulite. Patients go home the day of surgery; typically do not use any narcotics postop for pain control, and are back to light exercise and work 48 hours after their procedures. In my practice, we specifically evaluate patients for these additional treatments, and select the appropriate treatment based on their skin quality, amount of fat, previous treatment(s), and surgical goals. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 - 2018

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Metformin, itself, or PCOS should not preclude either liposuction or fat transfer. However, you will need a full evaluation to determine if you are otherwise a good candidate. Make sure this is with a fully board certified plastic surgeon with many years experience in both procedures.

Is it safe to undergo liposuction and a fat transfer on metformin?

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