Breast Augmentation and Ehlers danlos syndrome. What’s the best approach?

I have done procedures on several patients with ED syndrome.  It is more likely to affect skin healing in mild cases.   I suspect you will heal great and get a nice result. You would typically put your implants under the muscle and go through an incision under your breast or through your arm pit with the use of an endoscope.  

 I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Ehowrs Danlos syndrome can take many firms, some being more significant that others.  An in person exam would give your surgeon an idea of how stretchy your skin is.  Also, if you have had children,  the effect that childbearing has had on your breasts may give some clue regarding the elasticity of your skin.  In any case though stick with smaller size implants since they will have less weight and will be less likely to make your breasts sag.

Dear wanderingwithaim,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Prior to your procedure, planning is important.  The subtype of Ehlers-Danlos (E-D) and penetrance / expression, skin fragility, bleeding history, affected joints, healing after previous injury/surgery, and other factors should be considered.  The type and size of implants and your existing chest anatomy should be evaluated.  When your risk of E-D related problems has been analyzed, your procedure can be planned to maximize your chances for safety and success.

Thank you for the question.  It is an important one: selection of your plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make when it comes to achieving an outcome that you will be pleased with.
Generally I suggest that patients start with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. 
***Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.  Ultimately it will be important that you feel comfortable that your plastic surgeon have a significant/demonstrable experience consistently achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with.  
Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
 If I were seeing you in consultation, I would want to communicate with the doctor(s) who know you best and may be able to provide guidance when it comes to your peri operative care.   Careful physical examination, review of your past medical/surgical history, communication of goals, and skillful execution of the procedure will be some of the "keys to success". Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for your question!   We occasionally see patients with connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers Danlos, in our practice.  Breast augmentation can be safely performed in these patients, provided that adequate precautions are taken to reduce the amount of tension on the skin and soft tissues.  These include multiple layers of suture reinforcement, and also car taken to preserve the pectoralis muscle insertions to add a deep layer of support to your implants.Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc”

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council

Not everyone is a good candidate for breast augmentation. To find out the best approach you will need to get 2-3 consults and exams. Without that kind of information no one here can give you an answer.