Asthma and breast augmentation: what are the risks?

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. With the help of a good pulmonologist, your anesthesiologist can reduce your risk of developing any complications related to your asthma during and after surgery. The asthma shouldn’t prevent you from getting an augmentation.

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Dear RSMember1886, thank you for your question. In my experience your condition is not a contraindication. Of course, before everything you should get a checkup and a consultation with a pulmonologist and further studios must be performed. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks! Dr. Luis Mejia.

Dear RSMember1886,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You might need to get a clearance from your doctor prior to surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Asthma and breast augmentation are two separate medical concerns, but they can interact in certain ways. Here's some information about the potential risks associated with both:Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can lead to airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, causing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. People with asthma may be at risk of complications during surgery and anesthesia due to their potential breathing difficulties.Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance breast size and shape. It involves inserting implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries risks, which can include infection, bleeding, scarring, implant rupture, and changes in sensation around the breasts.Risks and Considerations: When considering breast augmentation, individuals with asthma should work closely with their healthcare provider to address potential risks and minimize complications. Here are some considerations:1.) Anesthesia and Breathing: Anesthesia can affect the respiratory system. People with asthma might be more susceptible to airway irritation and bronchoconstriction under anesthesia. It's essential to discuss your asthma with the anesthesiologist before surgery to ensure the appropriate anesthesia plan is in place.2.) Recovery: Recovery from surgery requires proper breathing and mobility. Asthma symptoms could potentially complicate this process. Your surgeon and medical team need to be aware of your asthma to provide suitable postoperative care.3.) Infection Risk: People with asthma might have a slightly increased risk of infections due to their compromised respiratory system. Following postoperative care instructions to prevent infection is crucial.4.) Stress: Surgery can be a stressor on the body, and stress is known to potentially trigger asthma symptoms. Managing stress and having a plan to address any potential asthma exacerbations during recovery is important.5.) Medications: Some medications used during and after surgery could interact with asthma medications or trigger asthma symptoms. Ensure your medical team is aware of all the medications you're taking.6.) Communication: Open and honest communication with your surgeon and medical team is essential. They need a complete medical history, including your asthma diagnosis and management plan, to make informed decisions.Remember, every individual's health situation is unique. If you're considering breast augmentation and have asthma, consult with both your primary care physician and a skilled plastic surgeon to discuss potential risks, ways to minimize them, and whether the procedure is appropriate for you. Your medical team will be able to provide you with the most accurate and personalized information based on your specific health circumstances.

Given your history, we would require a careful evaluation by our Medical clearance team. Your safety during elective Surgery is our number one priority. Once cleared, there are various medications our Anesthetist can give you as you are emerging from Anesthesia to prevent breathing difficulties after Surgery. It is important to disclose all of our past history to our Team, and then we can come up with a treatment plan custom-tailored to you that is safe. With this in place, you should be able to undergo Breast Augmentation without difficulty.

Many patients with asthma are able to safely proceed with surgery. With good planning and discussion with your primary care physician and surgeon you should be able to have successful breast augmentation.

Your medical physician who treats your asthma is the one with whom you need to speak. However, I would advise bringing your inhaler to surgery. Do talk to your medical doctor.

Hello and thanks for the question. During my practice, I have performed many plastic surgery operations to the patients who has asthma. You can have the procedure with having your regular treatment(such as inhaler). There won't be any effect.