I'm Considering Breast Implants but I'm Concerned Because I Have Fibromyalgia. Am I Not a Good Canadate Do to my Syndrome?

There does not appear to be any quality evidence that patients with fibromyalgia are not  good candidate for breast augmentation.  There were a number bogus anecdotal and TV reports in the 1990's that reported an association between silicone implants and rheumatologic disease, including fibromyalgia.  Since that time, however, there have been a multitude of high quality epidemiological studies that show no association between silicone implants and any rheumatologic disease.

There does not, therefore, appear to be any contraindication to proceeding with breast augmentation in patients with fibromyalgia.  Post-operative pain management may be more difficult in patients with this process, however. I would suggest that you consult with your internist or rheumatologist prior to proceeding with surgery.  Good luck.

This is an excellent question. In the 1980s, Connie Chung ran an investigative report of a link between fibromyalgia and silicone implants and the rest is history. Multimillion dollar litigation ensued and years later, when scientific evidence did not corroborate a link between this disease and the implants, that didn't get much press. I would recommend that you speak with your rheumatologist because while fibromyalgia may not counter indicate surgery, the medications you take for its management may be a problem. Rheumatologic clearance would be required and pain management would be a concern.

Thank you for your question.  Having fibromyalgia does not prevent you from getting breast implants. However, you may experience more postsurgical pain that usual.

You may want to discuss with your surgeon to see if you are a candidate for going above the muscle instead of under the muscle.

I would also recommend that you avoid very large implants as this could possibly aggravate any neck or back pain that you may have.

I hope this helps.