I have localized schleroderma & want to get plastic surgery to fix my discolored spots of my skin. Any body have any info on this procedure? I know it lightens your skin.

this question may be a little out there but i was considering having plastic surgery but was wondering do they let you take out loans for these kind of things?

I am a 43 y.o. female with Schleroderma. I have dealt with this condition for many years. It is a very rare disease and of all the immuno- diseases, doctors know the least about it. It is the hardest of all of them to treat once it gets going. I believe my experiences with it and have some sage advice should anyone want it. I would not suggest that anyone with an auto-immune disease get plastic surgery of any kind for several reasons... This disease can "flare" and probably will after any surgical procedure. Auto-immune disorders are harder to manage as you get older. Do NOT have and laser light treatment to the skin - since exposure to UVA/UVB and even some other rays cause flares. Don't take any supplements that stimulate the immune system either, such as Ginko, Echinacea, Golden Seal Root, or collagen pills or silica to help your hair and nails grow. Avoid eating beansprouts and legumes - that can cause a flare too. I did most all of these things because I didn't do my own homework on the disorder and what a disaster it caused me! Schleroderma is an over-abundance of collagen fibers that attack various areas and lay down excess collagen in wrong places, i.e., the neck, abdomen, face, and hands. It is essentially scar tissue gone awry. The initial blotchiness will lighten up on it's own - give it time. Avoid birth control pills (because they really exaggerate the problem, especially on the forehead) and stay out of the sun, use sunblock and do NOT got to a tanning salon! That's just dumb. Want a tan? Use self-tanners, they've perfected them, the look great. Cosmetic elective procedures should be avoided - my dermatologist is adamant about that, and it just makes sense too. Don't do anything that might wake the dragon. I have had a terrible time getting control of it once it got some momentum. You could end up with a hardened red face like a mask, tight, shiny, and if it's attacking the face, it's also doing damaging your internal organs too. It can do a number on lungs, heart, and kidneys. A lot of people are misdiagnosed & don't really end up having it. Avoid all the triggers, and get to know your disease. Do your own research. I just attended a symposium at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles on "Coping With Auto-Immune Disorders". Some of the most knowledgable Doctors of Rheumatogy were there and it was fascinating. One of them mentioned during his speech that the top 80 percent of his graduating class were in the bottom 20 percent. Which means there are a lot of bad Rheumatologists out there. There are. I've had a few. Do your own research and find a terrific doctor. I would also suggest that you join a group that I am a member of www.lupusla.org - some of the top doctors of the field are involved. It's a difficult disease to manage once it takes off. Educate yourself. There aren't any easy answers. Don't taunt it with vanity.