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
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