I have asthma. Is it safe to undergo breast augmentation?

If your asthma is optimally controlled the risk is very small and you can undergo major surgery without significant asthma complications. Most anesthesiologists I have worked with will recommend that you take your asthma medicine the prior to surgery with a sip of water and bring your inhalers to the surgery center. In addition, steroids are given just prior to anesthesia in most patients any way which helps prevent asthmatic complications. On the other hand, if your asthma is poorly controlled, or you are steroid-dependent, you are at increased risk and therefore it is recommended that your asthma specialist provide any needed specific medical preparation prior to surgery including a written plan to give to your surgeon and anesthesiologist regarding asthma medication recommendations pre- and post-surgery. This will include a complete pre-surgical evaluation including pulmonary function test results, physical examination, and review of your medications and past medical problems. If your pulmonary function tests are not optimal your asthma doctor and/or anesthesiologist may choose to postpone surgery until your asthma is under optimal control prior to giving surgical clearance. In addition, it is advisable that you contact that anesthesiologist beforehand to discuss any issues that might arise and their management. . This is because surgery may cause an asthma flare or related bronchospasm during or immediately after surgery. Make sure you tell the anesthesiologist and your surgeon the amount and type of steroids you take so additional steroids can be given to prevent adrenal insufficiency which can result in a sudden blood pressure drop.#asthma#breastimplantswithasthma

Breast augmentation is an elective procedure.  This affords time to make sure that you are the best candidate possible.  If you have a doctor that is helping you with the asthma, talk to him/her and let them know.  They may have protocols that can help.  Let the plastic surgeon know.  The anesthesiologist should also know, and should be able to handle most cases of asthma, (especially if well controlled). 

yes. However it is important that your asthma is in good control. If certain seasons tend to set it off than you might want to have your surgery during a "quiet" time of the year. Also, you should discuss the surgery with your medical doctor to get the best advise for how to deal with any worsening after surgery. Frequently you will be asked to use your inhaler right before surgery. Good luck.

Thank you for your question. This warrants a frank discussion with your Plastic Surgeon, however, generally speaking, as long as your asthma is well controlled, you should still be a candidate for surgery.  Your PS may require you to get a letter of clearance from the doctor who manages your asthma.

You should discuss this with your PS.  A well trained anaesthesiologist should be able to deal with this for this surgery.

Thank you for the question. Well-controlled asthma is not a contraindication to breast augmentation surgery. Obviously, you will want to proceed with the elective breast surgery once your pulmonary condition is optimized. Best to check with the doctors who manage your asthma prior to proceeding. Best wishes.