Teaching Clinic for a lower body lift - Is this dangerous or is it still just as safe as going to a private practice?

Question

Hello, I was considering using a plastic surgery cosmetic residency clinic in Dallas for a lower body lift, due to how expensive it is. Is this extremely dangerous or is it still just as safe as going to a private practice?

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

That's a great question, and it's smart that you're weighing your options carefully. Both teaching institutions and private practices have their strengths, but they serve slightly different priorities.

If you choose a teaching institution, you're going to a setting where safety is a central focus. These hospitals are typically affiliated with universities and have strict oversight, protocols, and a large team involved in your care. Your procedure will often involve residents or fellows who are doctors who are in surgical training, working under the supervision of experienced, board-certified attending surgeons. While the attending surgeon is ultimately responsible, it's important to know that some aspects of your care may be performed or assisted by trainees.

This can be a very safe environment because of the multiple layers of checks and supervision. However, because it’s also an educational setting, the emphasis may not always be on achieving the most refined aesthetic outcome. Teaching hospitals often focus more on function, safety, and standard technique, but there may be less emphasis on tailoring the results to a highly individualized or artistic level, which many patients seek in cosmetic procedures like a body lift.

On the other hand, private practice, especially one run by a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring, is often where you'll find a more personalized approach. In this setting, the focus is generally on both safety and aesthetics. Surgeons in private practice build their reputations on consistently achieving beautiful, natural-looking results, and they typically perform every part of your surgery themselves. They also have more freedom to use advanced techniques that may not be part of a teaching institution’s standard protocol.

So, in short, a teaching institution is a very safe and structured option, often at a lower cost, and ideal if your top priority is medical oversight and affordability.  A private practice may offer a more customized aesthetic result, with a higher degree of surgical finesse, especially when working with a surgeon who has extensive experience in body contouring. Ultimately, the "best" choice depends on your priorities — safety, aesthetics, cost, or surgeon continuity. Best of luck in acheiving your journey!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding a teaching clinic for a lower body lift and whether this is dangerous or still just as safe as going to a private practice.
Thank you for your question regarding whether it is just a safe to go to a plastic surgery cosmetic residency clinic in Dallas for a lower body lift as it is to go to somebody in private practice.  The short answer is no.  Plastic surgeons in private practice have been performing body lifts for many years.  They have clinical experience with performing the lower body lift.  They know ways to avoid complications, and if complications do arise, they know how to treat them.  Plastic surgery residents are still students and are still learning.  During their training to become a board-certified plastic surgeon, plastic surgery residents shadow other plastic surgeons performing a lower body lift.  However, not all plastic surgery residency programs are the same.  Some plastic surgery residency programs do not perform or expose residents to lower body procedures.  There are many plastic surgery programs whose residents may not have ever seen or performed a lower body lift.  They can learn pearls and tips during one lower body lift surgery, but usually are not proficient in the surgery until they have performed many lower body lift surgeries on their own.  Complications can certainly arise and can be very expensive.  Therefore, most plastic surgeons would agree that for a major surgery like a lower body lift that we would highly suggest you go to a plastic surgeon in private practice.  The expense will be worth minimizing the potential risk for complications.  Thank you for your question about whether to go to a teaching clinic for a lower body lift and whether it is as safe as going to a plastic surgeon in private practice.    Good luck. If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift.  Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 150 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, lower-body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS, FASMBS (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ALY2020,
teaching clinic should be as safe as a private practice. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Is this a cosmetic surgeon or a board certified plastic surgeon?  There is a big difference.  Board certified plastic surgeons are recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery which is the only aesthetic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.  Board certified plastic surgeons undergo at least six years of rigorous surgical residency with a focus on both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries.  Cosmetic surgeons may not have this comprehensive training.  For your safety and to optimize your results a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

From firsthand experience the best I can tell you is that the variations in outcome can be extreme.
I’ve seen inexperienced residence go at it without supervision. I’ve also seen Residents work with the world renowned plastic surgeons delivering amazing outcomes that are most likely far better than what the patient would get if they randomly chose someone in private practice.
It might be helpful If you could find out who the attending physician will be, and if they’ll be participating in surgery or simply signing off on the chart. 
Generally speaking, I think it’s a pretty risky thing to do.
I suggest you explore all options.
Generally speaking patients should avoid looking for discounts when it comes to parachutes and plastic surgery. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

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