Living with lupus presents unique challenges, especially when managing the intersection of chronic illness, cancer treatment, and cosmetic surgery. In fact, cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, often complicate recovery due to their impact on the immune system.
For this reason, lupus patients considering breast reconstruction or other cosmetic surgery must prioritize consultations with experienced specialists who understand the complexities of autoimmune conditions. The collaboration between rheumatologists, oncologists, and plastic surgeons ensures personalized care that balances aesthetic goals with individual health needs.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and making surgery more challenging. It can slow healing, increase infection risks, and lead to complications like scarring. Medications used to control lupus, such as immunosuppressants, may also impact recovery.
Surgery is best performed when lupus is stable and involves careful planning and close monitoring by a team of specialists who understand how lupus impacts the immune system. This approach ensures the safest outcome.
Surgery is safest for lupus patients when the condition is stable, meaning there are no active flares or significant inflammation. Stability reduces the risk of complications like poor healing, infections, and organ issues. Achieving stability may involve managing symptoms with medications and monitoring organ function.
Ultimately, your doctor will assess whether your lupus is under control before surgery and may recommend delaying the procedure if flares are present. Ensuring stability allows your body to handle the stress of surgery and recover more effectively, making it a critical factor in planning a successful procedure.
Lupus patients should consult with a specialist as soon as they consider breast reconstruction surgery, ideally several months in advance. This allows enough time to assess the stability of their lupus, make any necessary medication adjustments, and coordinate care with other doctors, like rheumatologists or oncologists.
Early consultations also give the surgeon time to evaluate health risks, discuss realistic outcomes, and create a personalized surgical and recovery plan. Starting the process early on ensures that lupus is well-managed and the body is prepared for the procedure, reducing the likelihood of complications.
Lupus patients have several breast reconstruction options, but the choice depends on their overall health, lupus stability, and personal preferences.
These are the most common approaches:
Before any surgery, your doctor will consider several factors to determine your candidacy.
Typically, these considerations include:
DIEP flap surgery uses skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast, providing natural-looking results without sacrificing abdominal muscles. This procedure can be a viable option for lupus patients, but it requires extra care due to the complexities of the condition.
Since lupus can affect healing and the immune system, the surgery is best performed when the disease is stable and the patient is under the care of a skilled surgeon and a coordinated medical team. While the recovery process may take longer due to the involvement of two surgical sites, with careful planning and close monitoring, many lupus patients achieve excellent outcomes.
TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) flap surgery reconstructs the breast using skin, fat, and muscle from the lower abdomen. For lupus patients, this procedure involves additional considerations due to the impact of lupus on healing, immune function, and tissue health.
Patients should consult with a plastic surgeon experienced in lupus care and their rheumatologist to assess their suitability for the TRAM flap. Alternative options like DIEP flap surgery, which preserves the abdominal muscle, might also be discussed to minimize risks while achieving effective reconstruction.
For lupus patients, implant-based reconstruction can be a less invasive alternative to flap surgeries like TRAM or DIEP. This approach uses saline or silicone implants to rebuild the breast, offering a shorter surgery time and reduced recovery demands.
Implant reconstruction is particularly appealing for lupus patients whose condition might make complex surgeries more risky. However, it’s important to note that implants come with their own set of considerations, including a higher risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant) and infection, especially for those on immunosuppressive medications.
Breast reconstruction for lupus patients can be successful, but it carries some unique risks due to the nature of the autoimmune condition. These include:
To minimize these risks, lupus patients must undergo reconstruction when their disease is stable and work with a multidisciplinary team experienced in managing autoimmune conditions.
When lupus patient Paula Lindsey discovered she had breast cancer, she was devastated. Not only was she already facing the challenges of lupus, but now she also had to make critical decisions regarding her treatment options for breast cancer.
Since lupus affects the immune system, undergoing surgery can be concerning. Additionally, the choices surrounding breast reconstruction after a mastectomy can feel overwhelming.
In this testimonial, Paula shares her journey through breast cancer and her experiences with breast reconstruction under the care of plastic surgeon Dr. Chrysopoulo.
If you’re navigating the complexities of cancer treatment or considering cosmetic surgery as a lupus patient, our San Antonio plastic surgeons are here to guide you with care and expertise. We understand the unique challenges of balancing autoimmune conditions and recovery, and we’re committed to helping you achieve safe, beautiful results.
Contact us today to book a Virtual Consultation. Our expert medical team will walk you through the process, address your concerns, and create a personalized plan prioritizing your health and well-being. Don’t wait—your next step toward recovery is just a consultation away!