Tummy Tuck Q&A
94%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
2,301 Reviews
Tummy Tuckbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Tummy Tuck Cost: $7,925

Learn about Tummy Tuck

7,738 people and 863 doctors are talking about Tummy Tuck

Get Free Email Updates

Can the Medical Assistant Place the Sutures of the Outer Skin After ATummy Tuck?

asked 9 months ago by EBR11 in Houston, TX
Latest answer by Sugene Kim, MD
Question viewed 68 times
Tags: assistant, normal, physician assistant, sutures

HI I had a consultation with a Surgeon who mentioned that the outter layer of skin will be finished by his medical assistant (maybe it was his nurse) I dont remember but I am concerned because the scar is my greatest fear. I will think the plastic surgeon will be the one to finish up this important process??? Is this a common practice to let somebody else do the final closure of skin?. Thank you. (I really like this doctor but this is making me hesitate)

3 answers to Can the Medical Assistant Place the Sutures of the Outer Skin After ATummy Tuck?

+1

Skin closure in tummy tuck

Some plastic surgeons may have their assistants (nurse or physician assistants) close the skin under their supervision if they trust their assistants' skill. However, if you do not feel comfortable with a medical assistant closing your skin, you should talk with your plastic surgeon and share your concerns of scars. If you request, your surgeon should close the skin for you.
Sugene Kim, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Depends on the experience and skill of the medical assistant

Whether your surgeon is comfortable with his medical or surgical assistant closing the skin of your abdominoplasty depends on the experience and technical skills of the assistant. Some who are very experienced can probably do just a good a job as the plastic surgeon, but not always. This is something you can and should discuss with your plastic surgeon. If you are not comfortable with his assistant doing the closure and he/she is not willing to complete the skin closure at... more
James Tang, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

If you trust your surgeon and he trust his ssitant, it should be ok

The closure of the incision is part of the surgery and most surgeons close their incisions. . If your surgeon trusts his assistant to do a good job and stands behind his assistants closure, then you should be fine.
Kamran Khoobehi, MD

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question