Can I get SculpSure if I have rheumatoid arthritis? Can it cause a flare up?

Question

I am well controlled with medication.

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

Yes you can absolutely get Sculpsure with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. One of the few contraindications, however, is ever having had treatment with gold chelation therapy. It used to be the standard for treatment of RA but is rarely used anymore. Another major reason why you cannot be treated is if there is any break, burn or wound to the skin where the applicators will be placed. As long as you don't fall into either of these categories you can safely get Sculpsure without worrying that it will cause a flare of your RA.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. The in-person consultation can confirm your candidacy. SculpSure heats the cells underneath the skin, penetrating pass the outer layer of skin.  
Best wishes,

Rosalind Hudson, MD · Answer

In the screening form provided by SculpSure, question 1 specifically asks about "history of ...autoimmune disorders or any immunosuppression....".
If you are on immunosuppression medication, this could effect your healing response. Other RA medications may cause photosensitivity (to the SculpSure laser). The history form asks patients to disclose this important history to discuss with your treating doctor. 
I would think that if you are in full remission and not on any medication (immunosuppressive or photosensitizing), then you might want to do a small "test" area. 
Our office allows partial treatments (e.g. 1 "pac" or 2 "pacs" instead of the 4 "pacs" with a full treatment.
I would talk to your doctor and decide.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

The manufacturer does not recommend SculpSure in people with autoimmune disease, especially RA.Good Luck!

Vinh Ngo, MD · Answer

SculpSure is safe if you have rheumatoid arthritis as long as you have never had gold therapy.  If you have had gold therapy then you will not be able to do SculpSure.

Can I get SculpSure if I have rheumatoid arthritis? Can it cause a flare up?

Answers (7)

Answer: SculpSure contraindicated in RA

Answer: SculpSure contraindicated in RA

Answer: SculpSure and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer: SculpSure and Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Everything you need to know about SculpSure

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Can I get SculpSure if I have rheumatoid arthritis? Can it cause a flare up?

Answers (7)

Answer: SculpSure contraindicated in RA

Answer: SculpSure contraindicated in RA

Answer: SculpSure and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer: SculpSure and Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about SculpSure

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.