Breast Augmentation Concerns for Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Hi there,
I understand your apprehension and concerns.
As long as your UC is under good control, the procedure should be reasonably safe for you. In other words, talk to your GI doctor and be sure they don't disagree with your decision to place implants.
The real risk is not that you will be at higher risk of "rejecting" your implants, but that if medications are required for your UC that depress your immune system, the implants may become infected, and implant infections in patients whose immune systems are not normal can be very serious. I would emphasize to you though, that this is only a serious concern if you need to be on medicines that affect your immune system.
As long as your immune system is functioning normally, the fact that you have UC should not necessarily increase your risks for implant surgery.
I would review these with your GI doctor and your plastic surgeon.

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is a disease which affects the large intestine or colon that is manifested by open sores or ulcers in the colon. The main symptom of the active disease is usually constant diarrhea mixed with blood and cramping. Ulcerative colitis is a systemic disease that affects many parts of the body outside the intestine. It is important that your disease is under medical control. Your gastroenterologist and medical internist should be involved in the decision making process to determine whether you are a reasonable candidate for breast augmentation. Treatment typically consists of anti-inflammatory drugs, immuno-suppression and dietary control, all of which needs to be taken under consideration.
In general, you are at risk for prolonged wound healing and infection; however, there is no data to support that you are at risk for “rejection of the implants”. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine concluded that silicone implants do not cause any major health problems. Research and reports from the last decade have shown that silicone gel-filled implants do not pose additional risks to women’s short-term or long-term health. Silicone implants were approved by the FDA and are considered safe.
In summary, I must stress that you and your plastic surgeon involve your medical doctors…internist and gastroenterologist… in your care. I wish you the very best during this exciting time in your life. Thanks for your question. I hope this helps!
Stephen A. Goldstein, MD