Is it safe to get a breast augmentation if I have asthma?

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.#asthma#breastimplantswithasthma

I appreciate your question.



As long as your asthma is controlled and you are cleared for surgery by both your primary care doctor and Pulmonologist, yes it should be safe.  Discuss with your surgeon so/he she can review with Anesthesiologist.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz

Hi... thank you for the question, if your asthma is under control and treatment, with a clearance of your doctor you can safely have your breast augmentation.

Hello Alexis21,It is perfectly safe to have breast augmentation if your asthma is well-controlled.  If it is not controlled, then medical management to improve your symptoms will make your operation more tolerable and safer.  Speak with your plastic surgeon about this during consultation.Good luck,Dr. Shah

As long as it is well controlled there shouldn't be an issue. I would personally have you meet with my anesthesiologist ahead of time to make sure there are no surprises on the day of surgery, but in general asthma isn't a problem for breast augmentation surgery.

Hi there Alexis 21. Thank you for the question. General anaesthetics are very safe and routine these days. Asthma should not be a limiting factor to having a general anaesthetic. However, I am sure you will have an opportunity to speak with your anaesthetist beforehand for a more in depth discussion about the risks. Good luck!

Yes, but it is really important that when you meet with your surgeon, you give your complete medical history. Also, let your anesthesiologist know about your condition before you schedule your surgery so that he or she can be properly prepared. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Having asthma should not prevent you from undergoing breast augmentation surgery.  Usually, patients who have a history of asthma, we ask them to bring in their inhaler to the day of surgery.  The anesthesiologist will have the patient take several puffs before surgery and will continue to monitor the patient through out the procedure.Make sure you see a board certified plastic surgeon along with a board certified anesthesiologist.Good luck.

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.

I have treated many patients who have a history of asthma. Ideally, you want it well controlled prior to surgery.  Best of luck.