I want to get breast implants. But I have two autoimmune diseases, am I a good candidate or is it a bad idea?

Question

I have Grave'sDisease a hyperthroiyd disease (in remission) and Morphea a rare skin autoimmune disease.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for  your question. As long as your medical condition is stable, you should be O.K. to have breast augmentation. There is no data to prove that breast implants can cause or exacerbate autoimmune diseases. Best,
  
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend that you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your medical history, questions and wants.   If you are medically cleared by your PCP and any other specialist they feel that is needed then I don't see a problem with continuing with a Breast Augmentation.  Best of luck to you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Breast implants provide a very nice way to address involutional loss or fat loss secondary to weight loss.  Provided the autoimmune diseases are under control, there may not be a contraindication to breast implants.  As plastic surgeons, it’s our responsibility to continually monitor the long-term safety of breast implants and make sure that all patients are aware of any possible adverse outcomes.  Ask your PS about the recent information distributed by the FDA regarding textured implants and a "black box" warning.

Michael Zwicklbauer, MD · Answer

I would certainly think you were a candidate for breast implants as long as your doctors are on board and give you clearance to proceed. I would have a long talk with you regarding choice of implants, using silicone or using saline . My preference not to complicate things for you would be to use Saline  good luck

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cool6320,
you will need to get a clearance from your doctor prior to surgery. A lot of woman get breast implants even if they have autoimmune disease. 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

Rob Choa, FRCS Plast · Answer

Hi,
It is possible for patients with autoimmune conditions to have breast implants. It is thought that a rare condition called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) might be linked to patients with autoimmune conditions. ALCL to date has only been reported in patients who have received textured breast implants, not smooth. Therefore if you were going ahead with surgery it might be best to discuss a smooth implant with your surgeon.
Hope that helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The best place to begin is to speak with the doctor(s) who you see for your conditions about your desire for breast augmentation.  If given medical clearance you can proceed to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  If your conditions are well controlled you should be able to proceed with surgery.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
Please talk to your primary doctor to get clearance for plastic surgery and then I suggest you to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for your goals.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
 Generally speaking, elective breast  procedures can be done safely for patients with a variety of different “medical conditions”. Careful evaluation and treatment of the medical condition is necessary prior to determining the appropriate candidates for the  breast procedure.  The physicians who know your situation best would be best suited  to discuss your suitability for the procedure and the potentially increased risks/complications that you should consider.  This process is called obtaining "medical clearance". These doctors will also be able to communicate with your plastic surgeon in regards to specific pre/intra/post operative considerations (including management of medications…).   
 
Also, please make sure you are seeking consultation with  well experienced board-certified  plastic surgeons who preferably work with board-certified anesthesiologists in fully accredited surgery facilities. My personal recommendations to patients, based on recent information: it may be a good idea for patients  with a history of autoimmune diseases to wait on undergoing breast implant related surgery until more information (regarding "breast implant illness") is available.
I hope this helps.  Best wishes.

I want to get breast implants. But I have two autoimmune diseases, am I a good candidate or is it a bad idea?

Answers (9)

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