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Is It Ethical for a Tech to Suture Eyelids After Surgery?

asked 1 year ago by SaltLifeGull in Panama City, FL
Latest answer by Rafael C. Cabrera, MD
Question viewed 170 times
Tags: ethics, legal, normal

I thought only MDs, PAs, or ARNPs were qualified to suture eyelids after surgery. Is it considered malpractice for a surgeon to allow a tech to suture after eyelid surgery?

4 answers to Is It Ethical for a Tech to Suture Eyelids After Surgery?

+1

Techs to close bleph?

I don't kow if it reaches the standard of criminal act or even malpractice, but I do know I would not be happy if I found out after the fact, especially if it was disclosed by someone other than the surgeon. the final part of any Plastic surgery is the closing.
Rafael C. Cabrera, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgery techs and assistant suturing incisions

The use of nurses, surgical techs and assistants to close part of the incisions does occur in plastic and cosmetic surgery.  In my practice, I've always felt that my patients paid me to do the surgery, including the closure and I don't pass that off to my scrub techs.  If you were told that a tech would close part of the incision, that's one thing.  If however, you were not, it would bother me but I'm not sure it's unethical.  It's up to the... more
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ethical for Techs to Suture Eyelids?

I know that this is done in Florida (especially for Medicare and Insurance related Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty); when and if it is done, it should always be disclosed to the patient.  However, in my practice, I suture all incisions because I feel that the overall result will be much better for the patient.  In Facial Plastic Surgery, patient satisfaction (which is partly derived from the lack of visibility of scars) is what determines the success of a practice.  When patients... more
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+1

Yes it is ethical.

Dear SaltLifeGull State laws do vary regarding what surgical technicians are permitted to do by law.  This will also vary by hospital which determine what privileges are granted for the operating room.  I personally as a surgeon regard the closure of the eyelid a very important aspect of the surgery.  This is because, closing the upper eyelid requires operative judgement regarding what tissues and under what tension should be placed on these tissues.  In my opinion... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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