Will getting a breast augmentation exacerbate my alopecia?

Question

I was diagnosed with alopecia areata in May late 20s. Every time I get a spot, I can control it with steroid shots and it will grow back. Will getting a breast augmentation exacerbate my alopecia?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Breast augmentation itself is not generally considered a direct cause of alopecia areata, and having alopecia areata does not automatically make someone a poor candidate for implants. That said, alopecia areata can be unpredictable, and any major physical stress, including surgery, anesthesia, healing, or emotional stress around an operation, could potentially coincide with a flare in someone who is prone to them.

The best step is to discuss the timing with both your plastic surgeon and your dermatologist before surgery. If your alopecia is active or recently flaring, your dermatologist may want to stabilize it first or give specific guidance about steroid injections, medications, and what to watch for after surgery.

From a breast augmentation standpoint, your surgeon should also know about all autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, medications, and steroid treatments. If your health is otherwise stable and your dermatologist feels the alopecia is well controlled, breast augmentation may still be reasonable, but it is not possible to promise that a flare will not happen.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is a chance that the stress from surgery may exacerbate your alopecia.  However it seems you have been able to keep it well controlled through medication.  The implants themselves should not cause you further issue.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon to help you weigh the pros and cons of the procedure.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Surgery is stress and stress can encourage alopeica. However, most ladies do well with the surgery. You might try nonpainful and noninvasive treatment of Folix laser for alopecia. It works well and you do not risk the side effects of steroids.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Getting breast implant by themselves should not cause hair loss. That said there are a number of things that can aggravate the condition including general anesthesia. Probably the best person to talk to is your dermatologist or whomever is currently helping you. No one can guarantee that surgery will not aggregate further hair loss. Based on what you describe I’m guessing the risk is fairly low but I don’t think anyone can give you an accurate prediction. 
You’ll need to assess the “risk benefit ratio”.
It may be a good idea to at least learn your candidacy for implant augmentation to make sure you understand what the procedure entails. Not everyone seeking implants is a good candidate for the procedure. Understanding your candidacy may potentially help in making the decision one way or the other.
Best,
Mats Hagström MD

Jared Blau, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Breast implants don’t regularly cause hair loss, and they are incredibly well studied by the FDA. Any surgery (since it stresses the body) can cause a temporary hair thinning called telogen effluvium, but the hair grows back

Will getting a breast augmentation exacerbate my alopecia?

Answers (5)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

6 months post op - should I expect my implants to drop further? (photo)

Over 1 year post op and I've noticed sharp pain and drooping - could this be lateral displacement? (photo)

What can be done about the shape of my breasts and areola? Tanner IV stage (photos)

Thoughts on needing a lift in addition to implants? (Photo)

Should I consider a breast lift now or should I wait until I replace my first set of implants? (photos)

Is it okay to get Breast Augmentation after repairing a torn tendon in my scapula 1 year ago?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS