Well-controlled diabetes is not an obstacle to rhinoplasty. However, some additional assessments need to be made before surgery, and your blood sugar needs to be kept below a certain threshold.
Target HbA1c Level
To be able to have surgery, your HbA1c level needs to be below 7.5%. Values above this threshold slow down wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
Preoperative Tests: In addition to the standard tests, HbA1c, fasting blood sugar and kidney function tests are requested.
Medication Adjustment: Patients taking metformin should not take the medication on the morning of surgery. For patients using insulin, the dose adjustment is planned together with the anesthesia team.
Healing Process: In diabetic patients, wound healing is a slower process that requires more attention. More frequent follow-up appointments may be scheduled.
Situations in Which Surgery May Be Postponed: Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c 7.5% or higher), an active infection or an unhealed diabetic wound may require the surgery to be postponed. In that case, diabetes management needs to be optimized first.
What Should You Do?
At your consultation, share your diabetes diagnosis, the medications you use and your most recent HbA1c level with your surgeon. If necessary, a preparation plan is drawn up in coordination with your endocrinologist.