Does Lupus increase the possibility of risks associated with breast augmentation procedures?

Research performed at Johns Hopkins concluded that there is no scientific evidence that definitively links silcone or saline breast implants with connective tissue or autoimmune diseases such as lupus; however, stress such as surgical procedures can trigger lupus flares, so this must be factored into the assessment of risk and benefits of breast augmentation.

Thank you for your questions. This is currently a hotly debated topic in breast surgery. Previous published literature has shown no link between development or complications regarding breast augmentation surgery and Lupus. However, there are several women now who are identifying as having Breast Implant Ilness (BII) and attribute worsening or development of certain symptoms to their breast implants. Additional research into this phenomenon is currently underway but good quality data will not be available for a few years. Best to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and make sure he or she is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Best of luck!

Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Dear Helpful7998,
the two main types of implants are silicone and saline. The shell of the implants can be either textured (which reduces capsular contracture) or smooth. A textured implant sometimes requires a larger incision. The shape of the implant can be either round or tear drop shaped (gummy bear). Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The different types of implant offer different pros and cons. For instance, the pros of silicone implants are that they look and feel more natural and ripple less.
On the other hand, the pros of saline implants are that they do not require as large of an incision as silicone, less expensive, they have less incidence of capsular contracture (scarring around the implant), one can tell immediately if there is a rupture, the size can be slightly adjusted, and they can be used for women less than 22 years of age.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The short answer is that there is no short answer. So here is a bit of a lengthier reply.
“BIAI” or “ASIA Syndrome” are terms used to describe a constellation of signs and symptoms that appear in a small percentage of women with silicone gel filled breast implants, including many symptoms that may be associated with autoimmune phenomena or conditions including LUPUS. The confusing part is that there are patients with similar symptoms that never had breast implants. About 1/3 of women with such complaints get better when their implants are removed, about 1/3 get worse after their implants are remove, and about 1/3 notice no change in their signs and symptoms after implant removal. Whether or not the implants are in tact or have leaked seems to make little difference.

A board certified plastic surgeon can review all of this with you in detail and hopefully help you make the best informed decision as to whether or not to undergo breast augmentation. Best of luck to you.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs. When considering breast augmentation surgery or any surgical procedure, it's crucial for individuals with lupus to consult with both their rheumatologist (a specialist in autoimmune diseases like lupus) and a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in working with patients who have autoimmune conditions. Here are some factors to consider:1.) Disease Activity: The severity and activity of lupus can vary greatly among individuals. Patients with well-controlled or mild lupus may be better candidates for surgery than those with active or severe disease. Surgery can potentially trigger lupus flares, so it's essential to have your disease under control before considering elective surgery.2.) Medications: Many lupus patients are on medications such as immunosuppressants or corticosteroids to manage their condition. These medications can affect wound healing and increase the risk of complications after surgery. Your rheumatologist and surgeon will need to carefully assess your medication regimen and adjust it as necessary before the procedure.3.) Infection Risk: Lupus patients may have a higher risk of infections due to their weakened immune system. Infection is a potential complication of any surgical procedure, including breast augmentation. Your surgeon will take steps to minimize infection risks, such as using sterile techniques and prescribing appropriate antibiotics.4.) Healing Issues: Lupus can affect the body's ability to heal and scar tissue formation. This may impact the outcome of breast augmentation surgery. You may need a longer recovery period, and the final results may differ from those of individuals without lupus.5.) Flare-ups and Complications: Surgery, stress, and anesthesia can potentially trigger lupus flare-ups. These can include symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, rashes, or other lupus-related issues. Your medical team will need to be prepared to manage these potential complications.6.) Consultation and Planning: Before undergoing breast augmentation, it's crucial to have a thorough discussion with your rheumatologist and plastic surgeon. They should work together to assess your overall health, disease activity, and medication management. They will determine if the benefits of breast augmentation outweigh the potential risks for your specific case.7.) Alternative Options: In some cases, individuals with lupus may need to explore alternative options or delay elective surgeries until their disease is better controlled. Non-surgical options for breast enhancement, such as padded bras or fat grafting, may be considered.Ultimately, whether breast augmentation is safe and appropriate for someone with lupus will depend on their individual circumstances. A multidisciplinary approach involving both rheumatologists and plastic surgeons is essential to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize risks associated with the procedure. Always consult with your healthcare team to make an informed decision based on your specific medical history and needs.

Surgery is a stress and any stress can flair up autoimmune disorders like lupus. You do want to be at your best and avoid anything that is known to flair up your lupus prior to surgery. Although breast implant illness is not a definite medical diagnosis, some women have noticed increased problems after having implants. You might want to consider saline implants.