Tummy Tuck with VP Shunt?

I'm sorry to hear about your surgery cancellation, especially after receiving clearance from your healthcare providers. It's important to understand that each plastic surgeon may have their own comfort level and experience with specific medical conditions or devices, like a VP shunt. In your case, it seems the surgeon might not have felt comfortable proceeding with the surgery due to your VP shunt.

It's crucial to find a plastic surgeon who has experience working with patients who have VP shunts or is willing to collaborate with your other healthcare providers to ensure your safety during and after the surgery. A thorough consultation, including a review of your medical history and open communication between your plastic surgeon, PCP, and other specialists involved in your care, is essential to minimize risks and achieve the best outcome possible.

Don't be discouraged by this cancellation. Keep looking for a plastic surgeon with experience or willingness to work with patients with VP shunts. Your health and safety should always be the top priority. Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best of luck in your search for the right plastic surgeon.

I would be very cautious in proceeding with a tummy tuck and liposuction with a VP shunt. You cannot perform liposuction anywhere near the VP shunt. It may cause the VP shunt to be dislodged or damaged. I would also consider the risks of a tummy tuck. A VP shunt is usually placed in the upper part of the tummy, so it will likely be encountered during your surgery. The VP shunt may become kinked when the skin is pulled tight. Also, working near the VP shunt may also cause it to become infected or damaged.

In cases with a VP shunt, it depends exactly where the shunt is tunneled and situated over the abdomen. It may be in an area that is not encountered during the tummy tuck. If it is, the surgeon who placed it can be in the operating room with the plastic surgeon to help guide the plastic surgeon to avoid hitting it or encountering it all together.