Tummy Tuck 67, Diabetes, and Glaucoma?

Thank you for your question and for providing your background. At 67 years old, with diabetes and glaucoma, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your overall health and the specifics of your conditions before undergoing a tummy tuck. Based on your description, a tummy tuck could significantly improve the appearance of your abdomen and your quality of life, but there are some important considerations to address.

Firstly, diabetes can affect wound healing and increase the risk of complications like infection and delayed recovery. To minimize these risks, your blood sugar levels must be well-controlled before and after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will likely coordinate with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to ensure that your diabetes is managed optimally during this time.

Regarding glaucoma, steroids are sometimes used post-surgery to reduce inflammation, but their use is not always necessary. Many surgeons prefer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for managing inflammation, especially in patients for whom steroids are contraindicated. This is a topic that must be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon and your eye doctor to plan an alternative anti-inflammatory strategy if needed.

Your age is not a contraindication for surgery, provided you are in good overall health. I have operated on many healthy patients in their 60s and beyond. Preoperative tests, including a comprehensive blood panel, an EKG, and possibly clearance from a cardiologist, will ensure you’re a safe candidate for surgery.

Finally, maintaining good communication with all your medical specialists is key. Your surgeon can develop a customized plan that accounts for your diabetes and glaucoma, minimizing risks and optimizing your outcome. With proper planning and an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck can be safe and transformative.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Thank you for the question! No, we do not usually prescribe any steroids pre or post surgery. I would recommend scheduling a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself where we make a surgical plan that would be best for you and your goals!

I don't see any reason that you would need steroids for this surgery. As long as your diabetes is under control and you obtain pre operative medical clearance, you would be a good surgical candidate. From your description of your abdomen, you would be thrilled with this operation. I would consult with your plastic surgeon and review this procedure in detail.

Dear Merdena,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination.Your condisions should be well controlled prior to surgery. Generally speaking, there is no need for steroids during the surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question. Steroids would not be advised as a part of tummy tuck care. In fact, steroids effect your natural ability to heal, so that is never a good idea to combine steroid use and surgery. Making sure that your A1C is below 7 will improve your ability to heal as well. Good luck on your tummy tuck journey.

Steroids will not be required after a tummy tuck. I recommend you speak with your diabetic physician and he needs to clear you for surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thanks for your question. There are some conditions which could make a surgical procedure too risky to consider. We call these contraindications. Some are clearly defined and some are relative to your particular health issues. So lets look at you. Please remember that I have not met you and I do not have any of your medical history except for what you revealed. Your age is not a contraindication. There are young 67 year old's and there are old 67 year old's. So if your doctor feels that your health is good enough, the risks should be low. The saggy abdomen is what we try to improve with a tummy tuck. Glaucoma is not a contraindication for surgery. Steroids are rarely used in tummy tucks except to reduce nausea. My best advice for you is to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your options. Then meet with your primary care physician to make sure that you are healthy enough to have the surgery. Success begins with planning.

Hello,Having diabetes and glaucoma does not necessarily preclude you from having surgery/tummy tuck. Your plastic surgeon and/or anesthesiologist may request a surgical risk assessment prior to proceeding with the surgery. Although steroids are sometimes used during surgery, this is usually given to help decrease post-operative nausea and is not critical for anesthesia. I hope this helps answer your question. Good luck on your journey!

If you are in general good health and your medical conditions are well controlled you should be able to proceed with a tummy tuck. Steroids are not typically used for this procedure. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation. Be sure to discuss your medical history and bring a list of the medications that you take.

Age is not a problem if you are in good health and cleared for surgery by your doctor. Steroids are not used at all in abdominoplasties unless there is a specific reason to treat something. Diabetes is not a problem if it is under control. We always want to follow the recommendations of your regular physician and ophthalmologist.