Is it okay to get breast augmentation with rheumatoid arthritis?

Question

I am 26 years old, diagnosed around 5 years ago, I am currently taking Xeljanz and Leflunomide (arava). I am worried because my rheumatologist told me there is no research on it but she has had patients have bad outcomes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Affectionate168105,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, it is possible to get BA with rheumatoid arthritis as long as it is well controlled. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and prescribed Xeljanz may experience upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache, diarrhea, nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose (nasopharyngitis), and high blood pressure (hypertension). Some side effects of leflunomide include alopecia, diarrhea and skin rash. Other side effects include: bronchitis, hypersensitivity, hypertension, pruritus, rhinitis, and tenosynovitis. I am unaware of any studies proving that rhreumatoid arthritis treatment (Xeljanz, Leflunomide) would interfere with BAM.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns, however other than issues regarding your arthritis medication, I do not see this medical condition being a contraindication to breast augmentation.
 Years ago, breast implants were thought to cause certain medical conditions similar to arthritis, and plastic surgeons and implant manufacturers performed numerous, well documented and controlled studies eliminating this notion. It turned out that those individuals who had undergone breast augmentation and developed signs of a type of arthritis would have developed the arthritis with or without the implants. However your rheumatologist does know your case best and that should be taken into consideration. Best of luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You might ask your doctor to be more specific about the "bad outcomes."  Also, if possible, be off your medication for about a week prior and a week after your surgery.  I had had several patients on the same and similar drugs you did very well with surgery.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Usually only with a written pre operative clearance from your RA doctor. I have done patients with active RA and have had no issues. I might use saline not the silicone/gummies.

Is it okay to get breast augmentation with rheumatoid arthritis?

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Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Is it okay to get breast augmentation with rheumatoid arthritis

Answer: Is it okay to get breast augmentation with rheumatoid arthritis

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Is it okay to get breast augmentation with rheumatoid arthritis?

Answers (5)

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Is it okay to get breast augmentation with rheumatoid arthritis

Answer: Is it okay to get breast augmentation with rheumatoid arthritis

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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