If you’re considering plastic surgery, you’ve likely begun researching a) your desired procedure, b) its average cost, and c) the best plastic surgeons in your area. However, you may not have thought to research another very important (and often overlooked) factor: where your surgery will be performed.
Here are 5 reasons why it’s critical that you have your plastic surgery performed in an accredited surgical facility.
1. Your surgeon will have the necessary privileges to operate
If your surgery will be performed at a hospital or an associated surgical center, your surgeon is required to have medical “privileges” at this hospital. This means that he or she has been vetted and approved by the hospital to perform surgery at this location, providing patients with an additional layer of oversight.
2. You will have a fully licensed surgical team
Since you’re reading this blog, chances are you already know why it’s so important to have a board-certified plastic surgeon perform your procedure. Not only will having your surgery at an accredited surgical facility ensure your surgeon is properly credentialed, but it will also guarantee their surgical support staff is fully licensed and experienced. At an accredited surgical facility, your surgical support team will include registered nurses, licensed technicians, and a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist.
There is no guarantee that your surgical support staff will have any medical training at an unaccredited facility.
3. Your facility will meet the highest sanitation standards
Sanitation standards for an accredited surgery facility are equal to those of a hospital. Because all accredited facilities must show that their surgical tools and instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and maintained on a regular basis, many of the primary risks of surgery—such as infection and anesthesia-related issues—can be largely eliminated when you have your operation in an accredited facility.
4. Your operating room will be properly organized and functioning
In addition to meeting strict sanitary requirements, accredited surgical facility operating rooms are subjected to regular inspection to ensure they are properly organized and up to code, and that all machines and monitors (including life support devices) function safely and correctly. Furthermore, accredited surgery centers are required to have emergency plans in place and appropriate medications and safety equipment on hand, should any issues arise.
While these may sound like obvious requirements, non-accredited facilities are not bound to these same standards by any regulatory organizations.
5. Your facility is not a “fly-by-night” practice
A fly-by-night surgical practice is one that disappears quickly after opening for business so as to avoid liability and any potential litigation. An accredited surgical facility, on the other hand, has to be open for several months before it’s eligible for accreditation to ensure it is reputable and meets the proper standards.
Who provides surgical facility accreditation?
There are 3 major independent agencies in the U.S. that provide accreditation to hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities. They are:
- Quad A (previously the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Plastic Surgery Facilities, or AAAASF)
- The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
- The Joint Commission
While each of these accrediting bodies has its own specific list of requirements, they all provide the 5 benefits listed above.
How can I make sure my surgeon operates in an accredited surgical facility?
To make sure a plastic surgeon operates in an accredited surgical facility, choose a plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The ABPS requires its surgeons to operate in surgical facilities or hospitals accredited by one of the accreditors listed above, or another accrediting body approved by their state’s medical board.
Dr. Gallus only operates in a private, Quad A-certified facility
Dr. Gallus of Restore SD Plastic Surgery only operates at our private, on-site surgical facility that is fully accredited by Quad A. Considered the “gold standard” in facility accreditation, Quad A facilities must meet over 350 standards for quality, safety, and sterility. Dr. Gallus also has hospital privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Choose Dr. Gallus for your San Diego plastic surgery procedure
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus has over a decade of experience performing aesthetic surgical and non-surgical procedures in the San Diego area. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon with the experience, skill, and training necessary to provide beautiful results and help you feel empowered, look no further than Dr. Gallus. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Gallus online or call (858) 224-2281 today.
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