Introduction:
An autoimmune disease that causes various symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes is called lupus. Cosmetic surgery is an option for people having lupus which helps in improving the appearance of the skin and also helps in improving various physical features. Before cosmetic procedures in lupus patients, some important considerations must be followed. The past medical history and symptoms should be discussed properly in case of lupus portions to undergo cosmetic surgery. Proper evaluation of the risk of potential complications should be taken into consideration to avoid risk after cosmetic surgery. The medications can cause infection and increase the risk of bleeding after cosmetic surgery, so it should be monitored carefully.
What Is Lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or simply lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that affects various organs and tissue present in the body. The immune system will attack the healthy cells and tissues, which results in damage or inflammation. Lupus can be caused by environmental, hormonal, or genetic factors, but the exact cause of systemic lupus erythematosus is unknown. Lupus affects different systems or organs in the body, like joints, skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. The symptoms of lupus depend upon the individual and can include joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, fever, chest pain, skin rashes, hair loss, and shortness of breath. With time the severity of symptoms can also fluctuate. The diagnosis of lupus is through clinical examination, various imaging tests, and blood tests. Different medications are used to reduce symptoms and complications associated with lupus. Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, etc., are given to reduce the symptoms. Sometimes lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, healthy diet, and stress reductions are used to manage lupus. There is no complete cure for lupus. With the help of proper treatment and management, people can live a healthy and active life.
Why Is Cosmetic Surgery Indicated in Lupus Patients?
This autoimmune disease can affect different systems and organs present in the body, including the skin. People with lupus can experience changes in the skin, like discoloration, scarring, and skin rashes. This can affect the quality of life, and self esteems of people. In such cases, cosmetic surgery is considered to be an option to improve the appearance of the skin, and also it helps to improve various physical features. Before cosmetic surgery, in lupus patients, the severity of the disease and the current status should be monitored. Also, the medications and symptoms should be considered before any procedure. Some medications can result in an increased risk of bleeding and can also cause infections pre or post-surgery. Cosmetic surgery like laser therapy or chemical pills can be risky for people having lupus because of skin irritation or flare-up.
Which Are the Types of Cosmetic Surgery Done in Lupus Patients?
Depending on the patient's need and goal, several types of cosmetic surgery are available for patients with lupus. All types of cosmetic surgeries are not indicated for people with lupus, as they can cause infection or some other problems during or after surgery. Some of the commonly used cosmetic surgery in lupus patients include the following:
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Skin Resurfacing - Skin resurfacing includes cosmetic procedures like laser therapy or chemical peels, which help in decreasing the discoloration of the skin, scarring, or any lines present in the skin. These will help in improving the appearance of the skin. Skin resurfacing is contraindicated for some people who have lupus because it can cause flair-up in the skin and also various other complications.
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Breast Reduction or Augmentation - Changes in the shape and size of the breast can be seen associated with women having lupus. This can be caused as a result of hormonal changes or the side effects of medications. Breast reduction or augmentation surgery helps in improving the appearance and symmetry of the breast. Before indicating breast reduction or augmentation surgery, the benefits and risks associated with it should be discussed.
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Liposuction - Liposuction helps remove the presence of excess fat from the body, like hips, thighs, or abdomen. This procedure has a potential risk for infection and bleeding and is not suitable for all patients with lupus.
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Nose Reshaping - Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping is a surgical procedure that will help in improving the functions and appearance of the nose. It is helpful in lupus patients who have breathing difficulties or various other nasal issues like deviated nasal septum.
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Brow Lift or Facelift - The brow lift or the facelift procedure helps to reduce the saggy skin and wrinkles present in the face, which will help the patient to get a more youthful appearance. This procedure has a longer recovery time, so lupus patients should be informed about the risk of infections and bleeding after the surgery.
What Are the Procedures Included in the Cosmetic Surgery for Lupus Patients?
The procedures for cosmetic surgery in lupus patients are similar to that of non-lupus patients, but some additional considerations and precautions are taken due to the medical condition of the patient. Some basic or general steps involved in the cosmetic surgical procedure in lupus patients include the following:
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Pre-operative Evaluation - The patient will be evaluated by both a cosmetic surgeon and rheumatologist before the surgery and determines their physical health and status of lupus. This is evaluated using different imaging tests, blood tests, and medications.
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Medication Management - There are some adjustments made to the medication regime in lupus patients before and after the surgery. This is done to decrease the complication of surgery, like bleeding and infection. This can involve adjusting or stopping some medications under the guidance of a medical professional.
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Anesthesia - The anesthesia method depends on the type of surgery. It can be general or local anesthesia with sedation.
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Surgery - The cosmetic surgeon will do the procedure, which involves an incision, tissue removal, tissue reshaping, or various other techniques by taking considering the history of lupus status.
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Post-operative care - After the surgical procedure, the patient is monitored for any change in the vitals or complications like infections or bleeding.
Conclusion:
In people who have a history of lupus, cosmetic surgery is an option to improve their physical appearance. Before cosmetic surgery, lupus patients should discuss the potential risk and complications after the surgery. They should discuss their past medical history and the symptoms which are currently present, and expectations after the procedures. Cosmetic surgery in the case of lupus patients is considered an effective and safe option to increase the quality of life. It should be done with close monitoring and careful planning.
