I Have Lupus, My Rheumatologist Has Given Me a Green Light for a Mommy Makeover?

Although risks increase with associated medical conditions many times they are often not a contraindication to surgery. Taking low-dose steroids will increase the risk for infection in wound healing issues. Still the risks are low and if the patient is willing to accept those risks elective aesthetic surgery can be performed.

It’s not unreasonable to perform mommy makeover surgery on
patients who have systemic lupus provided their medical condition has been
optimized by their rheumatologist. This procedure can be performed safely in
this group, but there is a slight increase in the potential for complications
under these circumstances.

                Lupus
is a collagen vascular disease that can potentially impact the circulation of
skin flaps. For this reason, an increased incidence of both wound healing
problems and infection may be seen in this group of patients. Furthermore,
steroids and other drugs utilized to treat this condition are also associated
with wound healing problems and infection. 
             

Although, there’s a slightly higher
risk of complications in patients with systemic lupus. These patients still can
derive significant benefit from mommy makeover surgery. In this situation it’s
important to co-ordinate care with the patient’s rheumatologist. When these
steps are taken the potential for complications is decreased and the majority
of patients are extremely happy with their mommy makeover.

Hello. You are at a much higher risk for surgical site infection and poor wound healing the average cosmetic patient. You should talk to a board certified plastic surgeon to schedule a consultation so the surgeon could assess your specific situation. I personally would not perform an elective surgery on a patient with lupus do to the high risk involved, especially for a big case like a mommy makeover.

Jaime Perez, MD
Mommy Makeover Specialist
Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

      If you are off prednisone for several weeks prior to surgery, this surgery may be reasonable provided that your heart and kidneys function well. 

Is good to see that you have taken the proactive step of speaking to your rheumatologist prior to surgery.  I have performed abdominoplasty in patients who have been on steroids in the past.  Specific precautions must be taken in addition to perioperative additives to decrease complication rates of wound healing.  Best of luck.