Double-board certified plastic surgeon Thomas A. Pane, MD, founder of Atlantic Coast Aesthetics in North Palm Beach, Fla., has introduced a new installment of his “Ask Dr. Pane” series—a blog post and video exploring the convergence of cosmetic surgery and pre-existing medical conditions, with this release being the first part of a two-part series.
In this release, Pane delves into the formerly prohibitive territory of HIV and hepatitis in relation to elective surgical procedures. For years, these conditions presented formidable barriers for those seeking cosmetic transformations. However, thanks to advancements in medical science, their status has shifted from absolute disqualifiers to manageable considerations.
The tide has turned, according to Pane, and patients with HIV and hepatitis are no longer shunned from the realm of aesthetic enhancements. While a theoretical framework prohibits discrimination on these grounds, real-world practices sometimes differ. Pane says his practice, Atlantic Coast Aesthetics, promotes inclusivity, where every individual is welcomed, regardless of their medical history. The pivotal factor is the appropriate management and treatment of these conditions.
For individuals with hepatitis, Pane says he collaborates closely with the patients’ primary care physicians and infectious disease specialists. By ensuring control over the condition, the green light for cosmetic procedures is readily given. Pane’s assertion is that if the disease is managed, the path to aesthetic enhancements remains open.
HIV, as Pane explains, follows a similar trajectory. Protocols mirror those of hepatitis, requiring consultations with relevant medical experts. The overarching principle is clear: being an HIV-positive individual does not preclude one from being a candidate for cosmetic surgery, Pane says.
