Can an overweight person with an autoimmune disease get cosmetic surgery?

Question

I would like my stomach muscles tighten, a tummy tuck, and my breasts lifted. I am about 60 pounds overweight. I have an autoimmune disease and cannot exercise so losing weight has been impossible for me. I know I will be overweight for the rest of my life but I still think cosmetic surgery would make me look and feel better, since I do have stretched skin that is hanging from my pregnancy years ago. I would like to know if I could be a candidate for this kind of surgery with these issues?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Provided the autoimmune disease is under control, there may not be a contraindication to a mommy makeover.  However, being 60 pounds overweight can lead to less than optimal results from the cosmetic procedures and increase the risks of complications during surgery and recovery.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A more thorough review of your situation would need to be done to determine if you are a candidate for elective plastic surgery.  It is recommended that you have a BMI under 30 to keep risk in check.  That figure can be calculated easily using your height and weight.  Charts are available online.  Your autoimmune disease would need to be in control and your medications reviewed.  You may want to speak to the doctor you see for your condition to see if medical clearance can be given.

David Janssen, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer of course is that it depends on what your health status  is truly and the type of autoimmune disorder you have.  We frequently are in a situation where we need to do surgery on patients with autoimmune disorders that we need to optimize prior to surgery.  If you have had a careful discussion of risks options benefits and possible complications of the procedure and choose to move forward despite increased risk, that would be your decision.  In our office we offer  the ideal protein medical weight loss program that does not require exercise to help patients lose weight.  We have found that this helps optimize patients and get them ready for cosmetic surgery when they would otherwise be too high risk to operate on.  I hope to you can find a medical weight loss program in your area to start with that first.  You might be able to avoid surgery altogether.  I wish you well with the process.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Even though we perform surgical procedures to make people look and feel better, our #1 concern is the health of the patient.  If the risks of elective surgery outweigh the benefits, then your surgeon will inform you.  Fortunately, there are many non surgical alternatives that may improve your situation without the risk of surgery.  Please see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs body contouring procedures frequently to assure the best possible result.Good Luck!

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. The answer is no, you should no undergo plastic or cosmetic surgery, you should reserve your chances only for  emergency procedures, since you may develop a lot of complications that may endangere your health and life.Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Can an overweight person with an autoimmune disease get cosmetic surgery?

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Answer: The health of the patient is our #1 concern

Answer: Can an overweight person with an autoimmune disease get cosmetic surgery?

Answer: Can an overweight person with an autoimmune disease get cosmetic surgery?

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Can an overweight person with an autoimmune disease get cosmetic surgery?

Answers (8)

Answer: The health of the patient is our #1 concern

Answer: The health of the patient is our #1 concern

Answer: Can an overweight person with an autoimmune disease get cosmetic surgery?

Answer: Can an overweight person with an autoimmune disease get cosmetic surgery?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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