Lupus and breast implants - would they make the disease worse?

The FDA and the Plastic Surgery Societies have determined that there was NO connection between Lupus and breast implants.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Hi Alex- There have been extensive studies attempting to determine whether breast implants, especially silicone implants, cause or affect autoimmune or rheumatologic diseases such as lupus. These studies did not find any relationship. Good luck with your new implants!

Silicone breast implants are among the safest medical devices in use today. These devices are also among the most rigorously studied and tested medical devices currently being used in the U.S. today.
Following the FDA moratorium on the use of silicone gel filled breast in 1992, “cohesive gel implants” were introduced to the market. How do these devices differ from their predecessors? The silicone gel of a cohesive gel implant is firmer (via the addition of proprietary cross-linker). The greater the cross-linking the firmer the device will feel. The result is a filling that doesn’t leak when the shell is compromised in the way that a traditional liquid does. This quality is best illustrated when cutting a device in half…it doesn’t yield a gooey mess but instead two stable halves. 
Additionally, silicone is biologically inert. There has been no demonstrated link between silicone and the commonly cited myth of autoimmune disease.With regards to your specific question, while your history of Lupus may influence your surgeons operative plan (the immunosuppressive medications that are often used to treat Lupus can inhibit healing), it is not an absolute contraindication. Your board certified plastic surgeon will conduct a thorough history to assess your risks for surgery. There are no described incidents of worsening autoimmune disease in the setting of implants in the literature.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hi Alex and thank you for your question.  There have been no scientific studies to show that breast implants would worsen your lupus.  I have had several patients with lupus as well as other autoimmune conditions who have undergone breast augmentation and none have had any issues with their breast implants.  To make you feel better, I was a chemistry major at Vanderbilt University, and silicone is on the 8th row of the periodic table, along with the other "inert" (means doesn't react with other molecules) substances like helium. Also, many patients with autoimmune disease have joint replacements with prosthetics that are made of silicone, so if silicone was the issue, another material would have been made by now.  Lastly, when you are in the store next, check the boxes of infant formula and you will notice that in the ingredients, there are noticeable concentrations of silicone.  The bottom line: if you are interested in breast augmentation, think happy thoughts and go to a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic breast surgery for your optimal outcome.  I hope this helps and best of luck to you!Sincerely,Dr. Sean Kelishadi

so find a surgeon to discuss your options and if you only want a small increase in size, consider fat grafting as an alternative to implants.

there's no way to predict if getting implants would make your lupus worth.  If I were you I would consider doing fat transfer to your breasts and then you won't have to worry about any silicone related issues.  Even the outer shell of a saline implant has silicone in it so fat transfer would involve no silicone at all. Good luck!DSR

FDA and medical studies show no link between autoimmune disorders such as lupus or scleroderma. The link was alleged in the 1990's but has not been proven.You likely will do fine but each individual is different.  

There has been no connection between lupus and breast implants; I have several patients with lupus who have implants who have not had any complications.