Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I have been HIV+ for just about 12 years. I am in great health on the same meds for about 3+ years now. About two years ago I had cosemetic surgery to remove the hump caused by lipo. I have one other surgery I am considering that is a (for lack of a better term) "facelift" due to a chin that working out wont help. My question is regarding any studies about the effects of cosemetic surgery on HIV + individuals? Is there increased risk with such procedures?
Ross Slotten, M.D.
Klein and Slotten Medical Associates
Private Practice in Family Medicine
With a special interest in HIV disease
I am not aware of any studies that specifically assess the risk of plastic surgery on people with HIV infection. The main risk of such procedures for someone who is HIV positive is post-operative infection. These infections are usually not difficult to manage. Otherwise, the improvement in self-esteem that such procedures usually produce probably makes the risk worthwhile.
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