Positive ANA 1:160 considering breast augmentation

This is a great question and comes up every now and then.  The simple answer is that this should not affect your ability to have a breast augmentation, at all.  Make sure that you meet with a rheumatologist that is educated in this matter and meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon that is familiar with all of the literature and performs the operation, frequently.  Good luck...it's totally worth it!

Thanks for your question. A positive ANA is not a reason to not offer the surgery. If you are deemed ok to have surgery by your primary care physician and rheumatologist, then you should be fine. It's really only patients with autoimmune disease who are on chronic steroids that are concerns. Best of Luck!

As long as you are deemed healthy for surgery I've not had a problem in the past. We have done multiple breast augmentation surgeries on patients with RA, lupus, chrons, and a well controlled scleroderma once. The first step is to discuss with your pcp and rheumatologist and then visit with a few plastic surgeons once you get the ok from a health perspective. Good luck!  Dr K

I would not have any concerns putting in gel breast implants with rheumatoid arthritis or any collagen vascular disease as long as we are coordinating with your rheumatologist and they are aware of your surgery. You would need to discontinue any steroids and immunosuppressants. I have done augmentation surgery on similar patients- we just need to coordinate with your rheumatologistI am not aware of any prospective study that links an increased risk for capsular contracture in patients with collagen vascular disease. 

I recommend that you first discuss your interest in placing breast implants with your rheumatologist and then once cleared find a plastic surgeon in whom you have confidence.  You will need to be free of any immunosuppressants or steroids prior to and for a period of 3 to 4 weeks after your procedure.  Good luck and best wishes.

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. You are a great candidate for a breast augmentation.  A history of ANA reactivity / positivity is not a contraindication to breast reconstruction surgery, or risk for postoperative adverse events. As you are aware, in the 1990's there was a public health scare about a relationship between silicone breast implants and autoimmune disease, but this was disproven long ago. The size, profile, shape, texture, and type of implant (e.g., saline, silicone gel, “gummy bear”) is based on your desired versus existing breast size and shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon. We typically use textured implants, and a leukotriene inhibitor for 3 months to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. I personally see patients in consultation in our Killeen office. We have the Crisalix system for visualization.  Good luck! 

Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS 
Harvard educated plastic surgeon