Can I get breast implants if I have Ulcerative Colitis and use mesalazine to treat it?

Question

I want to undergo breast implant surgery but I can't seem to find any information on patients with UC that had them done. Is it safe to undergo surgery while on mesalazine?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Ulcerative Colitis is not necessarily a contraindication for an elective cosmetic surgical procedure, such as a breast augmentation.  If your UC is well-controlled and your gastroenterologist has cleared you for a surgical procedure, there is no reason not to go ahead with a breast augmentation.  The decision as to whether or not a surgeon would require you to stop mesalazine prior to your surgical procedure will vary surgeon to surgeon and case by case.  Personally, I would ask a patient on mesalazine to discuss stopping it for a week prior to your surgery with his or her gastroenterologist in order to reduce the theoretical increased risk for bleeding associated with the medication.  Best of luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If your disease is presently quiescent there is no reason not to have a breast augmentation. I personally would not Insist on stopping any of your medication.

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

I have performed surgery on patients with IBD and recommend that they consult with their gastroenterologist before surgery.  Every patient's disease is different.  Although mesalazine is related to aspirin, it does not appear to have the same increased risk for bleeding that aspirin has.  You should be able to proceed with surgery.   Good Luck!

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

It is safe to undergo the breast augmentation operation while on mesalazine for your ulcerative colitis. You will want to try to make sure that your nutritional status is in good shape prior to the procedure, because this will help with healing. Additionally, it is best to not be on steroids at the time of your operation because steroids can inhibit healing as well. To sum up: UC and mesalazine are not contraindications to undergoing breast augmentation.  Just make sure you're in good health prior to the procedure and not in the middle of a flare.  Best of luck to you!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Assuming the inflammatory bowel disease is well-controlled, elective breast surgery is not necessarily contraindicated.You are, however wise in being cautious about undergoing elective surgery given that you have an inflammatory bowel condition. As you likely know, some of the medications used to treat autoimmune disorders such as  inflammatory bowel disease are anti-inflammatory medications;  their use may increase your chances of infection.  I would suggest that you   communicate your goals with your gastrointestinal physician  who knows you best. He/she, will be able to evaluate your “risk profile” much better than online consultants will be able to do. Then, your gastrointestinal physician will be able to communicate with your  chosen plastic surgeon in regards to optimal timing of the breast augmentation surgery;  perioperative management of specific medications may also be part of this communication. Best wishes.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I have safely performed breast augmentation on several patients with a history of IBD - inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. ulcerative colitis or crohns).   With any elective surgery, we must make sure your healing potential is your best.   Many of the IBD anti-inflammatory medications can hinder wound healing and potentially increase your risk for healing problems or infection.  Some of the medications can be immuno-compromising.  The best thing to do would be to visit with a board certified PS for a consultation and also visit with your GI specialist who is managing your UC.  You may need to discuss holding your UC medications before and after your surgery.  Your plastic surgeon and your GI specialist can work together to develop a treatment plan that is safest for you and your needs.  Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

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