Can I qualify mini facelift & rhinoplasty if I am on immunotherapy following a kidney transplant?

Any cosmetic procedure is elective so we want to make sure patients are healthy and there is minimal risk to healing so you can achieve the best outcome. Your transplant surgeon has followed your healing and your bloodwork so they would be the best gauge is you are a good candidate for surgery. Any plastic surgeon would require the approval and a letter of clearance for you to undergo cosmetic procedures from your transplant physician. They may ask- if you have had other surgical procedures of any kind and how you healed from these procedures.

You will need medical clearance from your nephrologist prior to having any surgery. The risk of complications involving your kidneys is low and would depend on your particular situation

Since you have a transplant, you are likely on immunosuppressive medications. The good news is that rhinoplasty surgery and facelift surgery are typically not associated with post-surgical infections. Your nephrologist would be able to provide medical clearance, if that is indeed indicated. Thank you for this question! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Hello and thank you for your question. If you are able to obtain medical clearance from the team that manages your transplant, then you could likely safely proceed forward with surgery. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon