Should I postpone my breast fat transfer if I have shingles?

Question

I am booked in for a breast fat transfer procedure in 4 weeks time. Today I have just discovered I have shingles. I have started in anti virals today for 7 days. If got in time I cold be fine within a week but if not if could be a few weeks. Should I postpone the procedure? Would it have any impact on the procedure and recovery?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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The downtime for breast fat transfer is minimal and may be 2 or 3 days. However, if your shingles continue to cause pain, elective surgery could add another stressor.  In varicella infected patients general anesthesia has been associated with pneumonia and a decrease in the immune function response postoperatively. Ask your PCP or specialist who is treating your shingles outbreak and your PS for their opinions.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You will need to be free of shingles before having surgery. The virus could potentially be transferred to your incisions, or the stress of surgery could prolong your healing from the shingles.

Should I postpone my breast fat transfer if I have shingles?

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