Can I have a breast enlargement if I've had a collapsed lung 3 years ago?

If Medically stable and cleared for surgery, there should be no issue for breast enlargement. I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

The fact that you had a collapsed lung 3 years ago should not be a contra-indication to undergoing breast augmentation. You can have the implants placed in front of the muscle if you desire, which would in no way approach your ribs.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

You did not state why your lung collapsed and if you required surgery or just a chest tube. For surgery, you will need a medical clearance. Have surgery near where you live so you can have follow-up care.

Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for examination and counseling on whether or not you are a candidate. If your lung function is normal and pre-operative tests look fine, you might be a good candidate.

Safety is the number one priority in surgery. If you have been turned down due to health history it is okay to visit another board certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion. However do not "shop" until you find the one who gives you the answer you are looking for. If it is unsafe then you should not proceed. You may want to speak first with your pulmonologist to get clearance.

Having had a previous pneumothorax should not automatically exclude you from having breast documentation.
I think things need to be taken into context and if a surgeon has apprehension about doing a procedure, then you should ask them why.
I generally do not recommend people travel, long distances for elective, surgical procedures, and generally recommend Having surgery done locally after having in person consultations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD