Is it safe to have a BA if you've had a previous heart problem?

Question

I’m wondering if it’s okay to have a breast augmentation if I’ve had a heart problem while I was pregnant? After they did the c-section my heart failed. They didn’t really explain much and said it was due to the pregnancy. I never had to take any medications or see a doctor after. I never had any problems before the pregnancy and nothing since then. It’s been 11 years so I’m wondering with what happened then would I be okay to have surgery now?

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

With any heart failure history, you would be required to have medical clearance, labs, and EKG from your primary care doctor prior to breast augmentation or any elective cosmetic surgery. You may be referred to a cardiologist if anything in the workup warrants further investigation prior to surgery.  Unfortunately there is no way to answer your question without more information. What do you mean by your heart failed? When in relation to the C section did you have heart failure? Did you have congestive heart failure? Did you have a reaction to a medication given? What type of care did you receive for it, and what type of followup did you have? If nothing was done or recommended, it makes one wonder if you had heart failure at all, or if you got sub-standard care. You can ask for your old medical records, though after this much time you may not be able to access them. Before any of this, a good place to start is with a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in person, to find out if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Since I am unclear as to what the cardiac event was at the time of your pregnancy, I recommend that you be seen by your primary care physician prior to any elective procedure.  Best to seek care with a board certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

A cardiologist clearance is necessary prior to your breast augmentation surgery. Many patients have previous heart ❤️ conditions and safely undergo general anesthesia for elective surgeries.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear justenne,If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. You will most likely need a clearance from your cardiologist. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Best advice is to obtain a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to be examined for breast augmentation. If you are, your surgeon will obtain medical clearance from your pcp and/ or your cardiologist to be sure the procedure is done safely.

David Nicholas Csikai, MD · Answer

It certainly may be okay to do a breast aug with previous heart issues. Depends on 2hat the issues were and if they are resolved or controlled at this time.

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

For patients with a pertinent medical history, I would obtain clearance from their cardiologist/primary care physician and the anesthesiologist prior to proceeding with surgery.  Your safety, above all, is the most important consideration.  I recommend discussing this with your surgeon in advance.  Cheers!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I would run your concerns past your PS and have an assessment by the anaesthetist to determine the actual risks so that you can be empowered to proceed or not.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons would want you to undergo a preoperative evaluation for clearance by a cardiologist. This might necessitate an EKG, some lab testing, and possibly a stress test and/or echocardiogram study if there is sufficient concern about a persistent heart issue. You might have just had transient heart failure issues related to the metabolic and physiologic changes of pregnancy, but most surgeons would not be comfortable operating without getting a cardiology opinion on record first.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

I would recommend that you first be evaluated by a cardiologist to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. If you can obtain a copy of your medical records I would recommend that you bring it with you when you see the cardiologist. I hope you find this information useful. Please watch the enclosed video.

Is it safe to have a BA if you've had a previous heart problem?

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