I have a vp shunt. Will it be safe for me to get the tummy tuck or the Liposuction?

A board certified plastic surgeon should be able to safely navigate this situation with appropriate planning. You may want to visit a practice that is affiliated with or close to an academic medical center or hospital so there are options to deal with any unanticipated issues.

I've performed tummy tuck and liposuction on patients with VP shunts. Depending upon its position, the procedure may have to be slightly modified. While risks are very low, clearance by your neurosurgeon along with an exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended.

While I do not see a problem, you should consult both your regular doctor and your neurosurgeon prior to any elective surgery. Good Luck.

The determination of whether you are eligible for cosmetic surgery would have to be made with the participation of your neurosurgeon. The first step should be discussion of this with that physician. Additionally, if you are on any medication, thus would be an integral issue in the decision making process.

Thank you for the question. Yes, a tummy tuck can be performed safely in a patient with a VP shunt. It does require planning ahead and coordination and clearance with your neurosurgeon, but it can be done safely. If you decide to proceed, obviously, seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with hospital priveliges in your area. One thing  I would recommend is that this be done in a hospital setting and not an office OR or a surgery center, soley for the accessibility of specialty care if needed.Best wishes,Michael Morrissey,MD

I suspect that having a vp shunt in place would likely not preclude one from having cosmetic procedures, but you would need to ask your neurosurgeon for the definitive answer to that question.