Can I get a breast augmentation if I have a mental illness? Taking Lithium

Question

I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I am taking lithium 600 mg per day. I have wanted to get my breasts done for a few years, my size and shape have changed after pregnancy and I am not satisfied with the way they look. I really want this procedure, but I Will be concerned if I cannot take my medication. Do you think the surgery will be possible?

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

There are many people with depression or bipolar disorder who successfully have plastic surgery every day.  As long as your mental illness is well controlled with your medication and you are not doing the surgery in hopes of changing your mental illness, there should be no problem with you proceeding with plastic surgery.  Additionally, you shouldn't have to stop your medication for surgery.  Best of luck!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  I do not believe that bipolar disorder is a contraindication to a breast augmentation procedure in and of itself.  If you are healthy and your mental state is well controlled with medication I do not see a reason why you would not be able to go ahead with surgery.  All patients are required to obtain medical clearance from their primary care physician, and any other physician/specialty deemed necessary by your clearing physician, in advance of surgery.  To this end, you might be required to obtain psychiatric clearance but this would depend on your surgeon and primary care physician's requirements.  As far as your medication is concerned, I would not require a patient to stop taking their lithium before surgery, but again this is something that you would have to discuss with your board certified operating surgeon directly.  I hope that you find this helpful and I wish you all of the best!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This should not be an issue. Please speak to your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A bipolar condition that is being treated with medication will not pose a problem when considering a breast augmentation procedure.  Best to seek care with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation and at that time you will discuss your health history.  Best of luck.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Many patients with a history of mental illness are able to undergo breast augmentation. As long as your condition is well controlled and you have adequate mental health follow up, you should be ok. Most board certified plastic surgeons would want a letter of clearance from your psychiatrist and would want you to continue your medication so don't worry about having to stop your meds. Hope this helps, good luck!

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

You may need to get clearance from your Psychiatrist.   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 (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Well controlled mental illness is not a contraindication for surgery. As long as you are well controlled on your medication and your mental health provider gives you a clearance for surgery, as long as your other health is good, there is no reason why you should not be able to proceed with surgery. Discuss your illness openly with your chosen board certified plastic surgeon.Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear quirkylover,if you don't have other diseases and if you get the clearance from your psychiatrist, then you will be a candidate for a breast augmentation. 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, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Nothing you describe is a contra-indication but in situations such as this I personally always ask for a letter of support from your psychiatrist and advice regarding the medication they have prescribed. Usually you would continue your normal meds.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is not a contraindication to having augmentation or other enhancement procedures.  Your surgeon will recognize your concerns when reviewing your health history (and if he/she does not, you should find another surgeon) and have a plan to minimize the impact on your condition and need for Lithium.  There are risks involved with any surgery and you must be prepared in case something does happen.

Can I get a breast augmentation if I have a mental illness? Taking Lithium

Answers (15)

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