How involved are plastic surgery fellows during an operation?

Question

The surgeon i have chosen and paid for to do my surgery has a fellow. My question is how involved are fellows during surgery. Is there certain aspects i should allow or not allow? Cutting, suturing, lipo?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding how involved plastic surgery fellows are during an operation. The involvement of a fellow during an operation depends on the chief plastic surgeon you have chosen. Plastic surgery fellows are either in training with your chosen plastic surgeon (through an organized clinical Fellowship) or the fellow is independent (not through an organized fellowship) and is taking extra training and learning how to do things from your chosen plastic surgeon. Your chosen plastic surgeon may let the fellow perform many tasks, including surgery. Alternatively, your plastic surgeon may not let the fellow do anything. Most fellows are allowed to do "some" things under the supervision of the chief plastic surgeon. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD. (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.)

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  Every location, physician is different.  Communication is important.  Ease your mind and communicate your concerns with your physician.  Schedule a consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

You must understand your surgeon is fully responsible of your surgery. 
Also a Fellow is already a plastic surgeon, not a student. 
Ask to be sure how much involvement he/she is in the procedure. 
Dr. Cardenas.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Surgery performed by trainees is typically performed based on his or her skill level and under direct supervision of the attending physician. The fellow is learning how to perform operations as if the attending surgeon is performing them, and typically fellows have completed a full residency. I would not be terribly nervous about fellows performing surgery, but if this is something that concerns you I would not hesitate to speak with your surgeon about it. Surgeons who utilize fellows are typically happy to speak about it.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The involvement of a fellow during surgery will vary greatly.  They will work directly under the supervision of your surgeon throughout the procedure.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  It is important that you feel comfortable and confident as you prepare for surgery.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

This varies greatly and a lot depends on what kind of procedure you’re having.
If you were in an academic institution and we’re having insurance based surgery, then it’s likely a fellow, especially after completing a full residency would be doing the entire procedure.
Plastic surgery sometimes fellows are still only allowed to watch or put in sutures at the end.
 it’s a big spectrum and I suggest you ask your provider to be honest about what they typically do.
If you ask them to change the protocol, then they may or may not do that.
Find out what is the standard and except that as the way your surgeon does procedures.
Somethings can easily be delegated to a fellow other things should not be.
Every step in cosmetic surgery is pretty important, but some are more important than others.
 I’ve seen everything from the attending surgeon not scrubbing in to the attending surgeon doing all of the surgery. 
It varies quite a bit if you’re in a private setting or academic medical Center as well.
Ask. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

How involved are plastic surgery fellows during an operation?

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