Normal to see nurse and not surgeon post op?

Question

I saw the nurse POD1, figuring I’d see surgeon at the 1 week post op, now I’m told surgeon is still out of town. So I can either see nurse again to remove sutures POD7. Or wait until POD 11 and see surgeon and remove sutures. I don’t see any major concerns but I figured the surgeon would want to see progress and have specific recommendations related to compression bandage and bra depending on how dropping and healing. Am I off-base here?

Robert J. Schwartz, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to be seen by a nurse for your follow up appointments following plastic surgery.  Nurses who have trained with the plastic surgeon and especially those who assisted the doctor with your surgery are well-versed in your unique case, the normal healing process and when your surgeon needs to be brought in to evaluate you.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The nurses that have worked with the same surgeon for 20 years are fully capable of routine postoperative care and can identify things that are normal and things that are not.  Just because you haven't seen the surgeon yet doesn't mean that the surgeon doesn't care about the result or that you won't have an excellent outcome.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

I personally prefer to see my all of my post op patients on a regular basis. I do know of some excellent plastic surgeons who delegate much of the post op care to their staff and their patients seem to do fine. The nurse should be able to identify any problems and contact your doctor if necessary. I would still suggest waiting until POD 11 so you can see your surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

My surgical techniques will be different from that of another surgeon as will my postoperative regimen. My nurses can administer medications and assist patients with wound care, drain tubes, etc., but as a commitment to providing the most efficient and effective recovery for my patients, I see all my patients at each post-operative visit to answer questions, determine the progress of their recovery, check for any signs of excessive bleeding, bruising, swelling, or infection, and obtain valuable feedback. Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, every clinic will have different protocols for their postoperative assessments.  It is not uncommon for nurses to be involved in the care of patients, but in my experience most surgeons want to be directly involved for at least some of the postoperative assessments.  My own practice is to see patients myself for several postoperative visits, but occasionally if a patient wants to be checked when I am not available, one of my experienced nurses will see the patient then provide me with a progress update.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Marinmom22,
I understand your concern. I usually have 6 postoperative examinations. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
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

If you are healing normally and have no concerns it is okay to see the nurse until your surgeon returns.  She/He should be well versed on assessing you, be reporting any concerns directly to your surgeon, and able to advise of your surgeon's post op instructions.  If you feel more comfortable with seeing your surgeon you can request a visit with her/him.

Normal to see nurse and not surgeon post op?

Answers (7)

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