Can Someone with Lupus Undergo Tummy Tuck?

Provided your lupus is under control, you can have a tummy tuck procedure.  You will need to discuss this and have clearance from your rheumatologist prior to surgery. Since you are off your steroid medication you should not have wound healing issues.

Best wishes,

Dr. Bruno

While lupus (SLE) can vary significantly in severity and manifestation from person to person, it's crucial to consult with both your plastic surgeon and your rheumatologist or primary care physician before undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. Your medical team will assess your current health status, the stability of your lupus, and any potential risks associated with surgery.

In many cases, individuals with well-controlled lupus who are not currently on medication may be candidates for elective surgery like a tummy tuck. However, the decision should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors such as your overall health, any recent lupus flares, and the potential impact of surgery on your immune system.

Additionally, your plastic surgeon will need to be aware of your medical history and work closely with your healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive surgical plan that minimizes the risk of complications and ensures the best possible outcome.

I encourage you to schedule consultations with both your plastic surgeon and rheumatologist to discuss your specific situation in detail and make an informed decision regarding the safety and feasibility of undergoing a tummy tuck procedure.

Best wishes for your health and well-being,

Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

Any autoimmune disease is a concern with major surgery. Performing an extensive procedure will require your body to focus on the healing and any concurrent flare of the lupus may require steroid therapy which can compromise the healing process. Please be prepared for this event and discuss with your rheumatologist.

It is advisable to speak to your rheumatologist  before undergoing surgery.  I have performed an abdominoplasty on patients with lupus and have had no problems.   Chronic prednisone use, however, may impair wound healing. 

Lupus can be a very mild disease or an aggressive life threatening problem.  Also some of the medications used to treat lupus and effect the way wounds heal.  These individual issues need to be taken into consideration before proceeding with surgery.  I have operated on patients with lupus and they have done fine.  I have also advised against surgery in lupus patients where the risks appeared to grave.

Great question Lilliupy -
A general guideline for any elective surgery is that general health be intact and that the risk of the operation be worth the possible benefit.
Lupus - as you well know - is a chronic, multifaceted inflammatory disease that can affect every organ system of the body. Obviously lupus that is not in remission would likely cause me to advise my patients to wait until they have better control of the disease. In addition steroids can be a mainstay of management for patients with lupus - a candidate for abdominoplasty at my practice would need to be in remission and off of steroid based treatments.
In addition careful consideration must be taken in consideration for the risks that lupus poses even to patients that are in remission, specifically -
Are there renal issues?
Are there pulmonary or cardiac issues?
and are there hematologic issues that might pre-dispose a patient to bleeding, anemia or infectious issues.
Also patients with lupus are prone to panniculitis (lupus profundus) - making many seek abdominoplasty or panniculectomy to manage this problem.
The bottom line it is possible but a very careful review of a patient's individual health status is important and you should seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon to guide you who should work in combination with the doctor managing your lupus.

Hope this helps.
Steven Williams, MD

A patient with lupus may still be a candidate for a tummy tuck. However, your internist and rheumatologist should both provide medical clearances and be able to provide input for your MD Anesthesiologist and board certified plastic surgeon. Choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has the experience with performing body contouring on patients with lupus.

I have performed tummy tucks on patients with lupus and have had no troubles.  You have to have clearance from your private MD first.

I have operated on women with stable SLE and they have done just fine.  Of course, any such procedure would be done after discussion and clearance from the physician managing the lupus.

There is a wide range of presentations of SLE.   For those who are on immunosuppressive medications, a tummy tuck will carry signficantly increased risk of slow/poor healing.  However, if you are off all medications and your SLE is table, you may be a candidate for surgery.  As my colleagues have suggested, a full medical clearance and evaluation is required.  I encourage your meet with a board certified plastic surgeon well-versed in tummy tuck procedures to explore your options