Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Is It Common to See a Plastic Surgeons MA for Your First Post-op After a Tummy Tuck?

I was told I would see the surgeon at 3 weeks and again at 3 months. The initial and remainder appintsments are done by an MA. Should I run from this guy or is this common?

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follow-up qualifications

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17 Doctor Answers | Asked by Phillymic22

Doctor Answers (17)
Community Comments (2)

Post Op Visits After A Tummy Tuck - Do I Need To See The Surgeon Or Would A MA Do?

Thank you for your excellent question. I personally feel that it is the surgeon's responsibility to see the patient on the day after surgery and at least one or more times during the first week. Surgeries that appear perfect in the operating room can turn sour overnight, and I feel the surgeon has the greatest ability to pick up subtle changes which may indicate an impending problem. That being said, a well trained nurse practitioner or PA (physician assistant) might,... more

Plastic surgery follow-up

Thanks for an outstanding question. I value the nurses, medical assistants, perating room technicians, and aestheticians who work for me very much. Without all their hard work I would not be able to deliver the care we do. In my practice, where I perform 2-3 tummy tucks a week, I would personally see you on day 1 and an additional two times in the first ten days, at minimum. I would also personally see you at three weeks, six weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and the year... more

Tummy Tuck Followup

Some very busy and successful plastic surgeons do not see the followups every time. This should not be seen as a negative, if the surgeon is busy and has a good reputation. It may be physically impossible for a surgeon to be present for every followup in a busy practice.

Who sees patients after surgery

Every surgeon has their own follow up pathway and plan for which team member you will see post-op and when. If you are concerned at all about this pre-op, I would ask your surgeon about this and seek a second opinion.

First tummy tuck post op appoitment should be with your Surgeon

As noted by many of the other respondents, your question is excellent from the stand point of; how we as surgeons, view the care of our patients. Medicine, these days, has taken on many of the attributes of business for good or ill, but at the end of the day, the doctor/patient relationship and how that plays out is the crucial factor. Although I respect and utilize physician extenders, they are not ultimately responsible for the care of my patients. I feel that is it... more

TT followup

In our practice I would see you on the first day. I often place a drain during surgery and depending on the output it is usually removed around the 3rd-5th day. This would be done by myself or my nurse depending on our operative schedule. Don't run just yet...you will be very sore! Best of luck

Care after tummy tuck

Thanks for your question. All plastic surgery practices run differently. This depends on the experience level of the support staff (MAs, RNs, etc), how busy the practice is, and the philosphy of the surgeon. In my practice, I see all of my patients at all of their postoperative visits unless I am unavailable due to an emergency. I have always felt that postoperative care is a very important part of the surgical process. As a patient, you have to decide... more

Who Should Do Follow-up after Tummy Tuck Surgery?

As you have found, there many different ways to manage postoperative care patients, depending on the specific plastic surgeons' practice. In my opinion, generally speaking, it is best for patients to be evaluated by the operating plastic surgeon as much as possible. Based on your question, I think that you would be most comfortable if this were to occur; make sure that you feel comfortable with your decision when it comes to selection of plastic surgeon… Best... more

Follow up with your Plastic Surgeon

It is best to see the Plastic Surgeon for post operative visits. I do not recommend seeing the MA, nurse, or PA, unless you are seeing them with the surgeon.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD

4 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgeon Follow-up Care After Tummy Tuck Surgery

While I think that MAs can play a very valuable role in a plastic surgery practice, your plastic surgeon has the primary obligation and experience to see you for the majority of your follow-ups. Seeing an MA as a substitute every now and then because the patients and the doctor's schedule do not coincide is one thing. But most patients understandbly feel oblifated in seeing the one who actually performed the procedure and is most interested in their thoughts and experience as to how... more

Post-op Care By Medical Assistant

I personally see my patients for all post-op visits unless there is an emergency or some other unusual event. The medical assistant may be capable of providing adequate care. You must choose an arrangement with which you are comfortable.

Who sees the patient postoperatively?

I see my patients at every postop visit. In New York, medical assistants may not remove drains or sutures. I think that followup care is part of the fee for service. Not only do my patients expect me to provide it but I would not have it any other way.

Follow up exams following elective plastic surgery

Every practice will have different standards when it comes to post operative care especially if it is routine and uncomplicated. If you have any concerns then discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

All Practices are Different

Every practice is organized and run differently. It is not unreasonable to have a skilled competent MA see post op patients. Personally, I do not run my very busy practice this way. I see all of my post op patients. I feel that if you took the time and money to invest in me then I should at the bare minimum take the time to see you through your journey! Dr. ES

See Surgeon vs Medical Assistant for First Visit after Tummy Tuck

This really depends on the quality of the MA, surgeon and practice overall. I have worked with excellent MAs, RNs, and other health care workers who, after working with me, could see a patient after surgery (if I was not available) and make sure everything was going OK. If they were concerned about a possible problem, then they would let me know. So if your surgeon and his team are experienced and trust them, this sounds like a reasonable plan.

I see every post op patient

Personally i see every post op patient pretty much every time they are in the office. this includes usually the day after surgery, one week after surgery, then about 3-4 weeks after surgery. the spacing stretches out after that. the highest incidence of problems that need to be diagnosed occurs in the first 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Is It Common to See a Plastic Surgeons MA for Your First Post-op After a Tummy Tuck?

If this makes you uncomfortable, go elsewhere. If on the other hand the surgeon has a good reputation, built with that style of practice, this might be the right place. I am certain if there were a problem you would be managed by the surgeon, not the MA. Best wishes.

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Comments (2)

jlr2012 12 Jan 2013

Are you talking about an MA (medical assistant)? If it were a PA, I would feel very comfortable, but not with an MA. An MA does not have any business seeing patients without physician in the office.

Lercin 12 Jan 2013

My follow ups so far have been with MA and I won't see my ps till the end of the month. I have had no issues and my dr did a great job so I don't feel weird about not seeing her. I also know if I did have any issues I could see her ASAP.

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