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

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.

 

There are no studies in the literature that supports the concept that breast implants cause or potentiate the fibromyalgia problems.

Women with fibromyalgia can proceed with breast implant placement.  All patients should undergo a complete history and physical with their plastic surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.  Adjustments to medications and post op care should be discussed.

The implant controversy in the 1990's centered around silicone get implants and autoimmune diseases.  The implants were pulled off the market for 14 years and then after extensive testing and studies were released back on the market by the FDA in 2006.  The new silicone get implants were not associated with any autoimmune diseases.  If you have any hesitation about using silicone gel, then I would recommend using saline implants instead.

Good Luck!

Fibromyalgia will not prevent you from having breast implants if you truly want them, and there are no risks inherent in the implants which will contribute to fibromyalgia. An implant is safe for reconstruction, or augmentation. A complete consultation will help determine if you are a candidate.

Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

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.

There is no link between fibromyalgia and breast augmentation. However, you should discuss the surgery with your rheumatologist first to get their take on the procedure. You will likely need to adjust your medications that provide relief of your current muscle aches.

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 the question.

Assuming the fibromyalgia is “well-controlled” and you have been cleared by your managing physician for the breast augmentation procedure,  fibromyalgia is not a contraindication to breast augmentation surgery. Your intenist may also have recommendations regarding medication/pain management around the time of the your  surgery.

I hope this helps.

Dear "Fibromyalgia",  Thanks for your question.  Back in the 1990's, there was a great deal of concern about a possible association between breast implants-mainly silicone gel breast implants-and fibromyalgia.  The questions were: Did the implants cause fibromyalgia or if the patient had fibromyalgia, would having implants make the disease worse?  Over the next two decades, numerous studies with thousands of women participants  have not been able to demonstrate any linkage between silicone gel or saline-filled breast implants and fibromyalgia.  Still, in this era of the Internet, old rumors are hard to kill off which is why plastic surgeons still have to address this question on a regular basis.  If your fibromyalgia is well controlled and your rheumatologist is in agreement, you may be a good candidate for having breast implants.  Prior to your surgery, there needs to be discussion on how best to manage your post-operative pain and how to return you back to your normal activity levels as soon as possible; issues that you and your board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to address during your consult.  Wish you the best.

There is no statistical link between the two and I am unaware of any association of fibromyalgia worsening with implants. Pain control can be an issue and will need to be addressed. As long as one heals well in general and has good mobility, I would not think fibromyalgia is a reason not to have surgery. Size is something to consider in terms of how extra weight will affect your body. I recommend to my patients staying more conservative in this case.