Plastic Surgeon Questions Lip Augmentation

Can I undergo surgery with diabetes?

I am preparing to get work done on my lips, however I am only worried about the fact that I have diabetes. Could it cause any complications in my case?

8 Answers

Hello and thank you for your inquiry. As long as diabetes is well controlled it is not a contraindication to aesthetic procedures. Thank you for your question and I look forward to the opportunity of helping you accomplish your aesthetic goals.
Reassure yourself, well-controlled diabetes is not an obstacle to cosmetic surgeries, especially in the face. Difficulties healing could be more likely in the lower limbs where some decreased circulation could be present. I have performed dozens of surgeries on the face, breasts, and tummies on diabetics without complications.

Christian Drehsen, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Diabetes increases your risk of infection with any procedure. To ensure that you have the best result possible, it is best to optimize your Hemoglobin A1c to a range of less than 7.

This answer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
If your diabetes is well controlled, there is no reason for you not to have surgery. However, your doctor will probably do your surgery with an antibiotic “cover.”
If the Diabetes is under good controll, then there should be minimal added risk. Due to the fact that the surgery is around the mouth, antibiotics and wound care is very important. With history of Cold sores, anti-viral meds should also be used.
Diabetic people have a higher risk for complications. Good preparations and working aseptic will minimize your risk.
Talk to your surgeon about everything that bothers you. A good professional will explain their work and precautions.
That certainly increases your risk of infection and possibly other complications. Adult onset diabetes is at lower risk than insulin (Type 1) dependent diabetics.
Your Plastic Surgeon should be able to advise you on the safety of the procedure your considering.
Uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1C greater than 7 increases the risk of complications after surgery such as poor wound healing, infection or diabetic Ketoacidosis.