Dr. Saber’s Blog
A recent cohort study published in JAMA Surgery investigated the association between surgeon sex and patients’ long-term postoperative outcomes. The study analyzed data from 1 million patients, focusing on 25 common surgical procedures.
The study examined surgical outcomes at both 90 days and one year post-surgery. Researchers found that patients treated by female surgeons were less likely to experience death, hospital readmission, or major medical complications after surgery. Even after accounting for differences between patients, surgeons, hospitals, and procedures, patients of female surgeons had better outcomes.
In fact, after one year, 25% of male-treated patients had experienced adverse postoperative events, versus 20% of female-treated patients. While the outcome differences are modest, they were consistent.
The research also found that female patients have slightly worse outcomes when treated by male surgeons.
Another study published in August found that female surgeons spend more time in the operating room, opt for open surgery less often, and their patients have shorter hospital stays. While this study focused on gallbladder removal, past studies have also found that female doctors spend more time with their patients than male surgeons.
With plastic surgery, patients definitely benefit from spending more time with their surgeons. Because plastic surgery isn’t as straightforward as fixing a medical issue, cosmetic surgery must be customized for each patient’s appearance and goals to achieve the best possible outcome.
While it may seem obvious that a female plastic surgeon would provide better results for cis female patients (because they understand the female body), research has actually shown that men also benefit from female plastic surgeons.
Diversity in the medical field is important. In 2021, only 22.6% of general surgeons in the U.S. were women. In a 2017 study, only 20% of practicing plastic surgeons were women. So while we do need more women in the medical field, we also need changes in how surgeons are trained and treated.
For most of medical history, the assumption has been that surgeons will be men. However, we’re continually gathering new evidence that female surgeons are just as capable as their male counterparts.
Unfortunately, the field is still struggling against the male surgeon stereotype. A 2017 review of Medicare data found that doctors who referred a patient to a female surgeon and experienced a poor outcome were less likely to refer to any female surgeon again. This same effect was not seen with physicians who referred to male surgeons.
Whether you’re considering a major surgical procedure like breast implants or a facelift, or something less invasive like Botox or dermal fillers, safety should always come first. All procedures—surgical or non-surgical—carry some degree of risk. That’s why it’s essential to choose a provider with the highest level of training and expertise.
Board-certified plastic surgeons have completed rigorous education and specialized surgical training, and they’re held to the highest standards of ethics and patient care. They’re also granted hospital privileges, which means they can provide continuity of care if complications were ever to arise, a key safeguard that’s often overlooked.
Unfortunately, many medspas and even some surgical offices offer cosmetic treatments like injectables or body contouring without having a properly trained or certified professional performing the procedure. Even some physicians who provide cosmetic surgery aren’t formally trained in plastic surgery—they may have a background in general surgery or another unrelated specialty.
When it comes to your health, safety, and appearance, don’t take chances. Always trust your care to a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the credentials—and the experience—to deliver exceptional results.
Dr. Saber is a leading board-certified plastic surgeon who brings a female perspective to cosmetic procedures and surgeries for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. She is one of the top plastic surgeons in Los Angeles and is highly regarded in her profession for her exceptional skills and excellent track record. She employs state-of-the-art techniques and operates in the best surgical centers and hospitals, where she has full admitting privileges.
During your consultation, she will discuss your goals and concerns and answer all your questions, enabling you to make an informed decision. She will then create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Dr. Saber offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures with a focus on natural-looking results and individualized care. Her specialties include body contouring surgeries such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast reduction, and breast lift. For facial rejuvenation, Dr. Saber provides facelift and neck lift surgery, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, labiaplasty, blepharoplasty, facial fat transfer, buccal fat removal, and non-surgical options like Botox, Dysport, fillers, and Kybella.
Her reconstructive surgery work includes post-cancer breast reconstruction, burn scar and hand surgery, scar revision, and lower-extremity reconstruction. Known for her exceptional bedside manner and technical precision, Dr. Saber delivers personalized, aesthetically refined results while prioritizing patient comfort and safety every step of the way.
To book a consultation, please call (818) 770-7050 or schedule a consultation online.
Saber Plastic Surgery is located in Encino, CA, for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient for patients in Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.