Can Someone else Perform Your Surgery Other Than the Doctor You Paid For?

Question

I was told that sometimes Certified Plastic Surgeons allow students or trainee to perform the surgery. Is this true and if so isn't the patient supposed to ok it. I know in teaching hospitals this does happen but the patients knows. Can it also happen in private practice without the patients concent? If yes, How can I protect myself from that? Also, If the papers you sign the morning of surgery says other personel may be used during your surgery what does that mean. Haven't had sugery yet.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Very simply, since you are paying for an elective procedure, directly specify to your surgeon that you want only he or she to perform the operation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

The best way for you to achieve peace of mind is to select your plastic surgeon carefully and ask him/her directly.  You should feel comfortable asking any question that will help you achieve peace of mind and/or decrease anxiety.

	 Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

The sentiments expressed are quite true and you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.  You are also allowed to line out any statements you do not like on your consent, including the part about having observers or residents in the room.  Private practice doctors have their reputations to protect and unless they have an employee trained for certain procedures, they do not delegate the surgery to others.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

I always get my consents and have a discussion with the patient 2 weeks pre op. If my patients have fears or questions regarding who is doing the surgery, it is cleared up well in advance of the surgery. I don't like last minute consents. In my AAAASF approved surgery center, there is no chance of anyone other than me doing the surgery.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have a procedure in a teaching hospital, the residents do participate in the surgery.  I perform all my cosmetic procedures either in my own accredited OR or in ambulatory surgery centers which do not have surgical residents---hence, my patients are guaranteed that I will perform the entire operation myself.  The consent to other personnel typically refers to the involvement of the scrub nurse, surgical tech, etc.

Can Someone else Perform Your Surgery Other Than the Doctor You Paid For?

Answers (8)

Answer: Discuss your fears with your surgeon

Answer: Discuss your fears with your surgeon

Answer: Can Trainees perform cosmetic surgery?

Answer: Can Trainees perform cosmetic surgery?

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Can Someone else Perform Your Surgery Other Than the Doctor You Paid For?

Answers (8)

Answer: Discuss your fears with your surgeon

Answer: Discuss your fears with your surgeon

Answer: Can Trainees perform cosmetic surgery?

Answer: Can Trainees perform cosmetic surgery?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.