If you are HIV positive can you still get a tummy tuck?

  If you are cleared by your treating physician and are otherwise healthy, you may proceed with a tummy tuck.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

A tummy tuck can be performed in any patient who is HIV positive as long as their cell counts are adequate and they have clearance from their physician.

Being HIV positive does not necessarily prevent you from having elective cosmetic surgery. It is more important to know the status of your individual situation, such as current meds, viral load, and t-cell count. It is important to also have clearance from your infectious disease  doctor and your primary care doctor prior to the surgery.

I don't see a problem with cosmetic surgery as long as your t-cell count is normal and viral load minimal. we usually have you get clearance from you primary doctor.

If cleared by your internist I do not see any problem getting the procedure. I have personally operated on many HIV positive patients who have had purely elctive cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Corbin

Twenty or even ten years ago, I was reluctant to do cosmetic surgery on HIV/AIDS patients.  These days it is so different.  Many HIV patients are now not just healthy but vigorously healthy thanks to the HIV medications available.  I require my HIV patients to have healthy level of immune cells and a low viral load.  I always make sure to check with their internist prior to surgery.