Hello,
Has anyone had cosmetic surgery post transplant? I’ve been doing surgery consultations and speaking with my nephrologist, planning for doing this in the future and have a sense of the risks. Currently on the fence, but curious if anyone else has gone down this path.
I’ve considered it . The risks are healing slowly and infection but I have had 2 big ops since my transplant and neither had been an issue. If there are lots of scars infection is probably greatest risk ?
That’s exactly right. I’m looking at a tummy tuck or lower body lift (I’d had a gastric bypass many year pre-transplant). It’d be at the skin/muscle layer so no surgical threat to kidney. You’re spot on, they’re worried about wound healing and infection. Post transplant I’ve had my gall bladder removed (piece of cake) and then the bilateral nephrectomy - which whilst open was also had zero issue healing. I had nausea and tachycardia - both of which resolved. I’ve had a mix of reactions from doctors but generally I’m leaning towards it. Plus timing would work super well for later this year. But yknow, hate idea I’ll regret it and end up with a raging infection damaging the kidney. Hmmm…
I have just had a nephrectomy ( I have PKD) and am going to have op for incisional hernia like Palmtreeguy. I can’t imagine cosmetic procedure can be tougher than the ops you bc and I have both been through.
I’m also about to have a Fistula problem resolved. A huge bulge at my elbow created after the Fistula was removed. This is a cosmetic procedure . I feel disfigured by it , my team at Guy’s in London have said it’s fine to go ahead with it for cosmetic reasons if I find it challenging.
It’s tough to go ahead with a cosmetic procedure rather than a health / life saving one. The down sides are framed differently , emphasised more by the surgeons it seems to me.
You sound physically strong and determined ….
Best of luck what ever you decide
Interesting that you asked. I was concerned about a huge abdominal bulge ( The Pouch".) My Transplant Team said to simply leave it alone - I had enough surgery already. My Chief doctor said he would recommend a cosmetic surgeon for a 2nd opinion. They found an incisional hernia in my abdomen - NINE inches long. Short version -> I underwent surgery - as expected, it helped but did not full remove the pouch. I am really happy I did it.
I’ve got an incisional hernia due to polycystic kidney disease which apparently affects collagen strength mdd as king hernia more likely . Just had nephrectomy but waiting to recover … hood to hear yours went so well
I realize this is an older post, but I wanted to share my thoughts anyway! I’ve always been curious about this topic myself. Since my transplant, I’ve had several surgeries, though none were major enough to involve large incisions or extended healing times. The most significant was probably the ligation of my fistula. Now, at 50, I’ve started to develop droopy eyelids—thanks, Mom. While it’s not severe, I definitely feel the heaviness on certain days, and I often look like I'm constantly squinting. I’ve been considering getting them lifted, not primarily for cosmetic reasons, but because it’s starting to impact my vision. I’m still very apprehensive, especially since I scare easily. I’m curious if anyone else has more to add.
oh I should have followed up. I had a lower body lift and a breast lift. I visited with 6 surgeons and found someone conservative but interested. I find it a good thing if a surgeon finds you interesting - less routine. He spoke with my nephrologist twice and I had it done in a hospital (vs clinic). I was going to stay two nights to maintain fluids but I checked myself out (with doc permission). The major concern is healing given the immunosuppressants and to a lesser degree fluid imbalances during surgery. I am pleased to say I had zero issues and recovered well. I went back into hospital a couple of weeks ago with an ileus but they ruled out that it had nothing to do with my cosmetic surgery. (Possible scar tissue from bilateral nephrectomy). I was mindful of potential issues with tissue healing and prepared to spend money in oxygenated rooms and have wound vac treatment. I’ll be honest I felt super nervous and was worried I was being reckless. I’d lost 200lbs and had tons of loose skin . It’s been something I absolutely do not regret. Were I not me with my kidney etc /PKD/PLD I’d do a thigh lift but I didn’t. I avoided lipo and fat transfer (I’m a b cup and a-ok) since those bring more risk. And now I’ve done it, don’t regret it a bit. My nephrologist remained in contact throughout which made me felt safer.
An upper bleph is relatively easy to heal from …I’d check and ensure they are good with what to do if you get wound issues but as a surgery it’s less invasive than I had. I know I’m lucky and I do remind myself of yhat. But wow…quality of life. I took a recent break from my job and had a once in a lifetime opportunity and am.your age (49). I’d def do your research though and interview diff surgeons. You want someone who doesn’t blow off concerns. I found a couple like that and one who wouldn’t do it. Good luck.
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