Getting Mommy Makeover/Skin removal by resident?

Question

19F, I've lost almost 110 lbs. I set an appointment up with a resident. It's at Uchicago and I'd pick be able to pick attending surgeon (the lady i met previously). I'm a bit nervous. I have grade 3 ptosis. Basically i want to do BL/BA, ETT, Mons pub lift. The surgeon added lipo to flanks and pubis. I'd like the bra bulge/sides too. The surgeon i met said i'd have to do BL/BA in two stages. Is a resident a safe route or is my case too complex?

Elisa Stein, MD · Answer

Trustworthy789739,
Having surgery at a teaching hospital all patients will have their care provided by a combination of residents and attending surgeons. I believe you are speaking about utilizing the discounted services of the resident cosmetic surgery clinic. In general, the requirements for teaching hospitals state that attending surgeons must be immediately available, especially during critical phases of an operation, and determine the level of resident involvement based on the case complexity and the resident's skill. You are within your rights as a patient to ask how much the resident will be left alone during your surgery. It's important to feel confident in your care and be comfortable asking these questions.
Dr Stein

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your inquire,

Getting a mommy makeover or skin removal surgery by a resident can be a cost-effective option, but there are important factors to consider.
Since residents are still learning, procedures may take longer. Also A resident may be highly skilled, but a less experienced one may still be refining techniques, while supervised, a resident may not have the same finesse as a seasoned plastic surgeon.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Morad Askari, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question. At UChicago, residents perform surgeries under the direct supervision of an experienced attending surgeon. You will have the opportunity to choose your attending surgeon, who will be responsible for your case. However, given your significant weight loss and Grade 3 ptosis, your situation may be more complex than a standard mommy makeover. Factors such as skin quality, tissue laxity, and surgical staging require expert handling. When it comes to staging the breast lift and augmentation, this approach is often recommended for patients who have experienced massive weight loss. Performing both procedures at the same time can lead to complications, such as poor healing or implant bottoming out. Staging allows your skin to adjust and settle before the implants are placed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Trustworthy789739,

in your case resident will do the whole procedure supervised. Attending surgeon will be the whole time with the resident and supervise it.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Daniel Butz, MD · Answer

We were all residents at some point in our training and these cases are typically well supervised. However, if you’re uneasy or not comfortable with the plan it might be worth getting a second opinion. We can normally do Aug/pexy in one stage.  Lipo to those areas added are routinely part of the surgery. So I would consider that extra. 
Never hurts to get another opinion.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The attending will be present with the resident, and the resident has already completed 5 years of general surgery training first, so is skilled in surgery. You should do very well.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  Selecting a surgeon is one of the most important decisions when having surgery.  The resident surgeon will be working under the supervision of another surgeon during your procedures.  It is important you are comfortable and confident as you prepare for surgery.  You may want to visit with a few other board certified plastic surgeons in your area to make a more informed decision.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on all the things you want done, staging some of it may be better and safer. Without knowing the specifics of you case, its hard to offer recommendations. In my experience, staging a breast left, and placing the implants later is a good idea in patients who lost a large amount of weight,

Getting Mommy Makeover/Skin removal by resident?

Answers (8)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

How long after arm lift and lipo do i need to wait to get a mommy makeover?

30, relatively good health - what is the best way to get multiple procedures done?

How long after arm lipo do I have to wait to get a mommy makeover?

How much for all of this?

Which tummy tuck technique would be best while avoiding a vertical scar? (photos)

Why does my stomach look like this 2 years after a mommy makeover? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS