Is Liposuction not recommended for people with childhood asthma?

Question

While the doctor was going through my medical history, I mentioned to him I had childhood asthma. 25 this year, last time I had an asthma attack was back when i was 9 or 10 years old. Was told he had to consult other doctors, but personally advise against it. Was told I could risk dying if I insist on going through with liposuction, as my breathing might be affected more than regular people due to asthma when under general anesthesia. Is this true?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We require patients to get medical clearance for their medical issues, and treat many with far worse conditions than asthma.  The asthma does not sound like a current issue so a simple medical clearance should get you a surgery.  I hope this helps!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A history of asthma by itself will not prevent you from having liposuction.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

The answer you received is somewhat suspect.  If you are symptom free at this time, and don't have any wheezes when your lungs are listened to with a stethoscope, you can certainly have general anesthesia safely - your history of prior asthma is not likely to be a significant problem.  Most anesthesia gases are bronchodilators, and general anesthesia can actually be used to stop the most severe asthmatic attacks ("status asthmaticus").  I'd get a second opinion.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Many asthmatics have liposuction. Often times the operation can be performed without a general anesthetic.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

At present you have no active asthma symptom.please check with your asthma specialist and anaesthetist for fitness for anaesthesia. mostly they will permit you

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

The simple answer is NO your previous history of asthma is not a contraindication for surgery if you are otherwise in good healthDr Corbin

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

As long as you are now stable and well maintained you can have liposuction.  We operate on people with asthma all the time and they do fine.  We , of course, go over their health status to assure they do well and they always have done fine.  My Best,  Dr C

Is Liposuction not recommended for people with childhood asthma?

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