I Have Lupus, My Rheumatologist Has Given Me a Green Light for a Mommy Makeover?

I was diagnosed with lupus three years ago. I've lost 50 pounds in six months. I work out 3 to 5 times a week. I'm on a low dose of prednisone...5mgs. Three weeks ago it was taken down to 2.5mgs. My rheumatologist said I would be okay for surgery. She says once I get a schedule surgery date she would stop the prednisone. She says the plaquenil I take 200 mg twice a day would not effect surgery.

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lupus after weight loss second opinion

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by BrooklyN227 in New Jersey

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Lupus is not an absolute contraindication to elective aesthetic surgery.

Although risks increase with associated medical conditions many times they are often not a contraindication to surgery. Taking low-dose steroids will increase the risk for infection in wound healing issues. Still the risks are low and if the patient is willing to accept those risks elective aesthetic surgery can be performed.

SLE (Lupus) and Mommy Makeover

If you are off prednisone for several weeks prior to surgery, this surgery may be reasonable provided that your heart and kidneys function well.

Mommy Makeover

Most of the medications used for treatment of RA have potential toxicities, though Plaquenil is widely believed not to add significant risk to surgery and to wound healing. The lower the prednisone dose, the better. I am not sure from the narrative whether or not you have seen a plastic surgeon yet. That will be the best resource in evaluating the benefits and risks of your proposed surgery. Many patients have undergone successful procedures while taking prednisone, but the risks are higher... more

Surgery and Immunosuppressive Drugs

The general consensus is that steroids and immunosuppressive drugs can increase your risk of complications. The decision to proceed with surgery and what type of surgery can really only made by you and your surgeon. Finding a qualified board certified plastic surgeon is in your best interest, particularly in this situation. Not so sure that stopping steroids right before surgery is such a great idea. Patients on steroids are given stress doses (of steroids) around the... more

Higher risk on infection for patients with lupus

Hello. You are at a much higher risk for surgical site infection and poor wound healing the average cosmetic patient. You should talk to a board certified plastic surgeon to schedule a consultation so the surgeon could assess your specific situation. I personally would not perform an elective surgery on a patient with lupus do to the high risk involved, especially for a big case like a mommy makeover. Jaime Perez, MD Mommy Makeover Specialist Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa more

Lupus and surgery

This is a very complex question. It seems you are on very low dose of cortisone and you might be in remission. Your plastic surgeon needs to talk with the rheumatologist and discuss your specific situation. As you probably know lupus can affect all organs of the body including blood vessels. Your liver function should be normal, your kidney function should be normal, your heart function should be normal. Also surgery is a stress on the body and stress canexcacerbate lupus and you... more

Abdomnioplasty on steroids

Is good to see that you have taken the proactive step of speaking to your rheumatologist prior to surgery. I have performed abdominoplasty in patients who have been on steroids in the past. Specific precautions must be taken in addition to perioperative additives to decrease complication rates of wound healing. Best of luck.

Your surgery can be done, but carefully

You need to make sure to speak with a board certified plastic surgeon about your situation. He/she will need to take extra precautions because of you condition. see video

Yes but

You still need to speak to a board certified plastic surgeon who agrees to do you. Your rheumatologist is not going to do the surgery or deal with the possible problems from having you on prednisone. Talk to your doctor and fully inform him as to your medical conditions.

Safe and effective surgery is possible

Hello, Thank you for the question. Steroids and surgery can be tricky especially when it involves large procedures such as a tummy tuck. If proper planning is performed and the right precautions are taken safe and effective results can be obtained. The link below is from one of my tummy tuck patients that was on steroids for MS. She underwent liposuction and a full tummy tuck without any healing issues. All the best, Dr Remus Repta