Autoimmune Suppressed & Prone to Keloid Scars. Can I Have a Breast Lift? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I’m a 48 yr old female,height 5ft 4 Weight 10st 2lb. Based; Manchester UK. I have sarcoidosis onset 1999. Currently in remission and controlled with 5mg Prednisolone and 150mg Azathioprine O/D. In addition I am also prone to keloid scaring. I would like to have a breast lift and or implants (I am unsure what procedure would give desired results). Does my medical condition and medication rule me out for surgery? Is there a recommended technique to minimise keloid scaring?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear billiebob33,
for scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your questions. With regards to scarring, it is important to determine if the scars that you have previously are infact keloid, hypertrophic, or problematic for another reason. There are many ways that we can optimise scars post-op - minimising tension on the wounds, taping, and later down the line massage, moisturisation and scar therapy. 
For your prednisolone & azathioprine - ideally these would be suspended for your surgery and we could liaise wih your medical team that prescribes these about how long it would be safe to stop them for. 
Based on your images, you would likely get an excellent outcome following an uplift procedure preserving your breast tissue (if you wish to maintain volume). I would recommend seeing a plastic surgeon who specialises in aesthetic breast surgery.

Hagen Schumacher, PhD, FRCS(Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your enquiry. The photographic information is very helpful.
With immunosuppression and a tendency to develop Keloid scars, you are at an increased complication risk. So I would think carefully about surgery.
Regarding your immunosuppression it would be advisable to wait for 3 months after the medication has stopped if that is possible.
Regarding your keloids, I would make sure that they are really keloids. Many patients who give a history of keloids have in fact hypertrophic scars which can be managed better. They also usually settle on their own within 18 months. Thick scars can be managed with steroid injections or radiotherapy after surgery.
I would suggest to confirm this with your surgeon.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,
I do not think your medical condition rules you out for surgery- I would simply request written medical clearance from your primary care physician along with whatever recommendations they would make regarding your medication regimen before and after surgery. In terms of how to avoid bad scars- well the answer is simple- good surgery technique!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Just based on your photos, you have plenty of breast tissue and just need a lift. Your medical doctor will be the one to see if your are stable enough for an elective surgery.  Please ask him/her this question. also, there are things that can be done to help minimize keloid formation after surgery. Please discuss this with the plastic surgeon your choose.

Autoimmune Suppressed & Prone to Keloid Scars. Can I Have a Breast Lift? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast Lift

Answer: Breast Lift

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Autoimmune Suppressed & Prone to Keloid Scars. Can I Have a Breast Lift? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast Lift

Answer: Breast Lift

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.