Hidradenitis suppurativa but want breast augmentation. Am I a good candidate?

Question

I have suffered with hidradenitis suppurativa since I was 6 years old. Only in the groin area. My current breast size is 32c but no upper volume. I am slim and very active gym goer and have had 2 children and my actual breasts are still looking good. I would love a bit more volume for my own confidence. I am worried as I don’t heal too well with like piercings and things. Im wondering if I’m a good candidate. I fear they won’t heal well.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options, He or she can address your concerns at that appointment. Best wishes!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. You can certainly get a breast augmentation, even with a hx of hidradenitis as long as you do not have an active infection. Regarding healing, there are several contributing factors, including if the wound gets infected, medications that slow healing like immunosuppressants and the main one being genetics. Its difficult to say how you heal based off of piercing scars because the location of the surgery and how it is performed and closed with will make a difference in scars.  I would talk to your plastic surgeon to assess your scar and your skin.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 32, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. An alternative for you to consider is fat transfers. This has the advantage of no foreign body. If for some reason, you become septic from hidradenitis suppurativa, it could seed the implant and cause chronic problems such as capsular contracture and may need explantation. Fat transfers would not have this problem.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jadeycakes1988,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You might need to get a clearance from your doctor prior to surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing is not the issue, but chronic and recurrent infections which could cause your breast implants to become infected or develop hard capsules.  Your hidradenitis needs to be dealt with first and be controlled. You may need to have the most infected and chronically recurring areas excised first.

Hidradenitis suppurativa but want breast augmentation. Am I a good candidate?

Answers (5)