Is it customary for a Rhinoplasty postop visit to be with a Nurse Practitioner? Should I insist on seeing the surgeon?

Question

Hi I am planning on scheduling a rhinoplasty soon. I was told the post op visit would be with a nurse practitioner and I would not see the surgeon at all. Is this customarry? Should I insist on seeing the surgeon for the post op appointment?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your good question. It is not unusual to see a nurse practitioner for some of your follow-up appointments after rhinoplasty. Nurse practitioners are highly qualified to oversee post-treatment recovery and will notify your surgeon if any complications arise. Keep in mind that you will likely have a number of post-op appointments, and some of these will likely be with your surgeon. You should also have access to your surgeon should any questions or concerns arise after your surgery.

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

thank you for your question. I have seen both during my career path. Both can work very well. It depends how the practice is structured. In some plastic surgery offices it is not uncommon that well trained and experienced office staff provides routine postop care. This does not mean your surgeon will not be available if concerns or questions coming up. I understand your concern, however it really depends on the office setting, and the medical staff. It would be unusual for a surgeon not to see their patient at some point.  Just ask them and see if you feel comfortable.  Untrained, unexperienced postoperative care  - obvioulsy -  should be avoived with any procedure.

Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. Please make sure you see someone who frequently performs rhinoplasty. I don't know of any rhinoplasty experts who would be satisfied with never seeing their patients postop. This is not a time/procedure to look for the best value/price. I wish you all the best.
Mark G. Albert, M.D., F.A.C.S.New York, NY and Boston, MA

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is customary in our practice, where rhinoplasty patients are seen next day after surgery by nurse (to teach about nasal care, clean airway, splint, sutures as a demonstration of post rhinoplasty care) to be seen by a surgeon on day 7-8 when splint(s) is removed. At that time, immediate result is discussed, any issues in the course of surgery reviewed and patient is given prospect of long term care and changes to be expected. Patient is seen at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year by a surgeon. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. You are correct, you should see your own surgeon multiple times post-operatively, at all stages of recovery. Anything less should not be acceptable. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Raffi Der Sarkissian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. This is a matter of opinion but, as a surgeon, I like to see ALL of my post op patients. It gives me an opportunity to assess the initial result and the results of the maneuvers performed in the OR, gives me a chance to discuss techniques to help accelerate the healing and decrease the swelling and instills confidence that I'm with the patient for the duration of the recovery. If someone is willing to pay the customary fees for rhinoplasty, I believe they deserve to see the doctor who performed the surgery post operatively. If they don't want to see you post op, will they want to see you in two months if there is a problem?? Just my opinion of course.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's very important that your postop visit is performed by the surgeon, since that is the person who performed your surgery. It is not customary to Never see the surgeon after your procedure

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
A dynamite question!
Postoperative care following rhinoplasty requires much more than one visit...
Traditionally, it was common practice for the operating surgeon to be present at every patient's postoperative visit. With shrinking compensation, increased paperwork, and longer hours, efficiency has taken priority. Nurse practitioners, who are specifically trained in routine postoperative care and are aware of specific potential postoperative problems, often participate in the care of a patient while the surgeon tends to other office tasks. Any deviation from "normal" warrants evaluation by the surgeon. The system appears to be working quite well. Periodic physician visits are required in the postoperative period. 
Best wishes...

Is it customary for a Rhinoplasty postop visit to be with a Nurse Practitioner? Should I insist on seeing the surgeon?

Answers (8)

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