Can a General Surgeon be just as good as a plastic surgeon to carry out an Abdominoplastry?

Question

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Your #tummy tuck or #abdominoplasty procedure should always be performed by a #Plastic Surgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for a revision surgery. It is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Seeking the right doctor and gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS · Answer

While plastic surgeons have training in general surgery, the opposite is not true.  General surgeons, unless they undergo specialized fellowship training in general surgery, are NOT trained to be plastic surgeons.  While a general surgeon may try to perform maneuvers associated with an abdominoplasty, and which may look on the outside like an abdominoplasty, there are technical aspects as well as aesthetic decisions which are made during a proper abdominoplasty which a general surgeon would not be as familiar with.  Just as you would probably not want your plastic surgeon taking out your gallbladder or removing part of your colon for cancer; you probably would not want a general surgeon doing your abdominoplasty.  One general surgeon in my area who performs abdominoplasties tends to take out excess skin only and not do any of the other maneuvers (tightent the muscle layer, contour the sides with liposuction, create a nice looking belly button, etc..) which make an abdominoplasty look great.  I see his patients frequently and there is usually little which can be done to salvage the aesthetics of the situation.  If you choose to go this route - beware.  I would strongly advise you to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who performs a lot of abdominoplasty surgery and provide a safe, well executed procedure which produces results you will be happy with.  Good luck

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would want to make sure that the surgery was performed by the most capable individual available.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

Simple, general surgery does not include cosmetic abdominoplasty as part of its training program. If the doctor did a weekend course type training then buyer beware!  I bet the general surgeon would be upset if other doctors did weekend courses to remove gallbladers and do intestinal repairs. Seek out a reputable plastic surgeon in your area!

Sultan Hassan, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

thank you for your question and obviously my answer will be that an accredited plastic surgeon is far better suited to perform a cosmetic abdominoplasty compared to a general surgeon. plastic surgeons specialise in cosmetic surgery of the soft tissues and have previously been through general surgical training to some extent or other, whereas the reverse is not necessarily the case. Good luck

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

It is important to remember that a plastic surgeon that has Board Certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery has undergone rigorous training in plastic surgery techniques and passed extensive testing in order to achieve this certification.  A general surgeon, while highly trained, has not undergone the plastic surgery specific training.  I would HIGHLY recommend that you find a Boarded Plastic Surgeon for your procedure.

M. Dalvi Humzah, MD · Answer

General Surgery is general surgery - Plastic Surgery deals with reconstruction and aesthetics - who would you rather have? Think that through and you have answered your question.

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

You should see a board certified plastic surgeon for an abdominoplasty.  If you needed open heart surgery you would see a heart surgeon not a general or plastic surgeon. As plastic surgeons we possess technical skill, artistic abilities, and in depth training in aesthetics and body contouring. Be careful as you make your decision.

Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS · Answer

As a plastic surgeon who was a general surgeon for four years, I received ZERO training in how to perform an abdominoplasty during my general surgery training.  Furthermore, during NONE of the certification process for proving my competency as a general surgeon was I asked about abdominoplasties.It should raise a red flag to you that general surgeons do not receive training to perform abdominoplasties whereas plastic surgeons are fully trained and tested to certify their competency in this area.With the ready availability of Board Certified Experts in Plastic Surgery, I can't think of any reason to go to a general surgeon for an abdominoplasty:

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

You asked is your general surgeon should do your abdominoplasty.  Let me answer your question with a question - would you want your general surgeon doing your orthopedic surgery?  would you want your dermatologist doing your breast augmentation?   There is a reason for subspecialized training.  Please seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon (certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery) who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  Best wishes.

Can a General Surgeon be just as good as a plastic surgeon to carry out an Abdominoplastry?

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