Will a history of bulimia cause problems during breast augmentation surgery?

Question

Hi! I am 28,51kg 5'5 trying to put on a little prior to surgery.will a history of bulimia make it unsafe for the operation? I am recovering now and i have scheduled an ECG to put my mind at ease even though my doctor listened to my heart and said it should be fine. It should be about six weeks ish of not purging before the surgery. Assuming ECG is clear does that mean my heart should be fine and shouldn't be too strained? (First ever op hence the nerves) Thanks

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
With any procedure, you will be required to undergo pre-surgical testing to make sure that your body is in good condition to undergo a surgery. It is my recommendation to have an extensive conversation with your plastic surgeon about your condition to ensure you are a candidate.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

A clear ECG is reassuring, but it is only one part of deciding whether surgery is safe after bulimia. Purging can affect potassium and other electrolytes, hydration, heart rhythm, blood pressure, nutrition, wound healing, and nausea/vomiting risk around anesthesia. These issues can be present even when a basic heart exam sounds normal.

The safest approach is to be completely open with your plastic surgeon and anesthesia team before the operation. They may want recent blood tests, electrolyte levels, medical clearance, and confirmation that recovery is stable before proceeding. Six weeks without purging is a positive step, but whether it is enough depends on your recent labs, weight trend, nutrition, cardiac history, and how stable the eating disorder recovery is. If there has been any recent purging, fainting, chest pain, palpitations, abnormal labs, or ongoing difficulty maintaining nutrition, postponing surgery until you are medically and emotionally stable would be the safer choice.

Jose A. Munoz, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Bulemia is a serious eating disorder which may have significant physical consequences including malnutrition and electrolyte imbalance, dental problems, etc.You are only 6 weeks out from your last purge. Your body will take time to recover. You require a medical clearance which requires more than just an ECG. Your nutritional status and electrolyte balance must be determined before your procedure. If under the care of a mental health professional, be sure you make him / her aware of your upcoming procedure.Healing after surgery requires caloric expendure!Best wishes...

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

Having the appropriate pre-operative clearance is important. It is also important to know that purging, (or any other activity that causes you to strain unnecessarily) after surgery should be avoided as it will increase the risk of something called a hematoma (collection of blood) that can occur after surgery,

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tough846352,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. Your health conditions should be under control prior to surgery. Also, you will need to get a clearance from our doctor. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

A history of bulimia can potentially impact the outcome of breast augmentation surgery, and it's essential to discuss this history openly with your plastic surgeon. Bulimia, an eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting or other methods, can have various effects on the body, and these factors may be relevant to the surgical process. Here are some considerations:1. Nutritional Status: Bulimia can affect nutritional status, potentially leading to deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals. Adequate nutrition is crucial for proper healing after surgery. Your plastic surgeon may assess your nutritional status and may recommend supplements or dietary changes as part of the pre-operative preparation.2. Electrolyte Imbalance: Frequent vomiting associated with bulimia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which may impact the body's ability to handle the stress of surgery and anesthesia. This can increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure.3. General Health: The overall health of an individual with a history of bulimia may be compromised, which can affect the body's ability to heal and recover. It's important for your plastic surgeon to have a comprehensive understanding of your health history to plan the surgery and postoperative care accordingly.4. Psychological Considerations: Eating disorders often have psychological components that may impact the decision-making process and expectations regarding cosmetic procedures. It's crucial to have open communication with your plastic surgeon and potentially involve a mental health professional to ensure that you have realistic expectations and are in a stable mental and emotional state before undergoing surgery.5. Increased Risk of Complications: Individuals with a history of bulimia may be at a higher risk of complications such as delayed wound healing, infection, or issues related to anesthesia. The plastic surgeon will need to take these factors into account during the pre-operative assessment and planning.Before considering breast augmentation or any cosmetic surgery, it's vital to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon who is experienced in dealing with patients with a history of eating disorders. Your plastic surgeon will assess your overall health, discuss potential risks, and help you make an informed decision about whether the procedure is appropriate for you. Additionally, they may collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and support throughout the process.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest meeting with your primary care physician and being exam to get his/her opinion. No one over the Internet has examined you nor can tell you if it is safe.

Will a history of bulimia cause problems during breast augmentation surgery?

Answers (7)

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