Can I do a lipo, lipectomy and breast augmentation with my own fat if I have Lupus?

Question

I was diagnosed with Lupus 9yrs ago. I have been on Hydroxychloroquine since then, but haven't had any problems. I want to know if I can do a lipo, lipectomy and breast augmentation with my own fat?

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have Lupus which is active, I would postpone your surgery until your condition is in remission. Also, if you are taking high doses of steroid medication, that can have an adverse affect on your body accepting the fat.

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. Your lupus should not interfere with your ability to use fat grafting for a breast augmentation. However, your lupus may inhibit your ability to undergo surgical procedures, even minimally invasive ones like liposuction. Immunocompromised individuals are at a much higher risk for complications like infection or poor healing. You will first need clearance from the doctor who is treating your lupus. Then, you will need to work closely with both your specialist and your plastic surgeon to ensure that your lupus is well-controlled, that your medications will not interfere with your surgery and that there are no other lifestyle factors that may prevent you from being a candidate for these procedures.
I recommend speaking with your specialist first to determine if they believe you are healthy enough for cosmetic surgery. Then, you should schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon with demonstrated experience in liposuction and fat transfer augmentations to determine if you can safely achieve your aesthetic goals with these procedures. Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

To ensure your safety during surgery and recovery, your PS will likely want medical clearance from your specialist before performing the lipo, breast augmentation, and lipectomy.  
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear alva14,
as long as your Lupus is under control, you might be a candidate for a surgery. Patients which use corticosteroids for a longer period of time can have healing issues. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like your disease is well controlled on minimal medications.  While each case is different, you should have no problems undergoing and healing well from the surgery you mention. Your plastic surgeon may request a clearance from your rheumatologist.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

AlvaI appreciate your concern, however I have previously successfully operated on patients with lupus. The key factor is having the disease under control and medical clearance by your rheumatologist. Start off by discussing your desires with your rheumatologist and then seek the advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
Please talk to your primary doctor to get clearance for plastic surgery and then I suggest you to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for your goals.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is wonderful that your Lupus has been in control with your medication.  I encourage you to discuss your desire for surgery with your rheumatologist.  Together you can determine if it is safe for you to proceed with elective plastic surgery.  You are at an increased risk for some post op issues due to your diagnosis.

Manuel Belen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,
  
Thank you for sharing the information, it is a pleasure for me to answer your question.
  
It is difficult to evaluate the options without seeing photos,
  
Yes, you can combine the procedures perfectly, to make mommy makeover, if your state of health allows it,
It is advisable to consult with a certified plastic surgeon, for a good evaluation, to provide you with all the information you need to know about the appropriate recommendations, so that you can achieve the desired goals in your body.
I hope this answer will help you
  
My best wishes for you...

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Alva,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Provided your lupus is controlled, and you are not taking any medications that interfere with healing from surgery (like steroids and TNF-alpha blockers, for instance), you are still a candidate for a mommy makeover. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. Preoperative visualization with Crisalix can simulate what your body will look like after surgery and can help you make your decision. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

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