I'm a 26yr Old with LUPUS (SLE) and Thinking of Having Tummy Tuck + Lipo is It Safe ?

Been 5 yrs with lupus and I've gained a lot of weight with the prednisone and soon I'm going to start a new med called BENLYSTA and I would like to know if it would b safe for me to have a tummy tuck with lipo in a teaching hospital cause I can't afford doing it somewhere else and I need it sooo bad cause I've got depressed when people ask me if I'm pregnant because of how big my belly is ...... And if I can't what type of procedure can I do to get rid of this belly... Help!!

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Kenia12 in Manhattan , New York

Doctor Answers (4)
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I'm a 26yr Old with LUPUS (SLE) and Thinking of Having Tummy Tuck + Lipo is It Safe ?

My colleagues have commented on your requiring clearance re: the organ systems that can be affected by your lupus, as well as the possible adverse effects of the prednisone. Another VERY significant issue is the fact that with the lupus you are at much higher risk of developing blood clots after surgery. This can progress to pulmonary embolus, a potentially life-threatening complication. If you were my patient I would have you reassessed by your rheumatologist, and would ask a... more

Tummy tuck and liposuction with lupus sle

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where self generated antibodies attack different organs systems in the body including blood vessels, liver, kidneys, joints, heart, heart valves, skin, brain...and/or form complexes with their protein targets (antigens) that damage these organ systems. The degree of damage to each organ system is highly variable. Arthritis and joint pain is the most frequent complaint. It is thought to be due to a genetic predisposition combined... more

Taking an immunosuppressive drug is not an absolute contraindication to a tummy tuck but it increases the risks.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an option for you with the adivse and consent of the physician who is handling your general medical conditions. You are at greater risk for infection and wound healing problems. Go to the best surgeon, not the cheapest.

Lupus Should Not Interfere With a Tummy Tuck

If your lupus is reasonably well controlled, a tummy tuck should not be a problem. The problem is more with your steroids. I would not want to see you gaining more weight after your surgery. You will require additional steroids during and immediately after your surgery. Sometimes your adrenal glands do not respond well after being on steroids for a while. Normally with surgery, your adrenal glands would kick out more steroid during surgery. So, normally when... more