Your Safety Depends on More Than Just Your Surgeon: Why Surgical Facility Accreditation is Critical for Plastic Surgery Success

When considering plastic surgery, most patients focus intensely on choosing the right surgeon—and rightfully so. However, there’s another crucial factor that can make the difference between a safe, successful procedure and a potentially dangerous situation: the accreditation status of the surgical facility where your procedure will be performed.

Understanding Surgical Facility Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary process that hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities go through to prove they meet certain standards for cleanliness, safety, equipment, and personnel. You might think of it as “board certification” for operating rooms.

An accredited facility is one that must meet strict national standards for equipment, operating room safety, personnel and surgeon credentials. For a facility to receive accreditation, it must adhere to strict standards for staff, sanitation, equipment, and patient care set forth by an official accrediting body.

The Major Accrediting Organizations

Several reputable organizations provide accreditation for surgical facilities in the United States. An ASPS-approved surgical center must have at least one of the following: Accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAASF) Accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) Accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO)

Established in 1980, AAAASF specializes in accreditation of ambulatory surgical facilities, or those that take place in an office-based surgery (OBS) setting. Its focus was to educate plastic surgeons on safety and became recognized as the gold standard for accreditation. The Joint Commission (JCAHO) holds the strictest requirement for certification, monitoring hospital ORs.

Why Accreditation Matters for Your Safety

The safety benefits of choosing an accredited facility are substantial. Plastic surgery performed by board-certified plastic surgeons in accredited ambulatory facilities – also known as outpatient surgery centers or same day surgery centers – has an excellent safety record. Accredited ambulatory facilities have been documented, through research and the compilation of required reporting, to have: An extremely low rate of serious complications (less than half of 1 percent) An extremely low mortality rate (less than one in 57,000)

Ensuring that your surgeon operates in an accredited surgical facility means a number of things that are crucial for your safety and well-being are in place. Accrediting agencies verify that: The operating room has everything needed to respond quickly and appropriately in life-and-death situations.

An accredited facility will monitor and report incidents of infections, complications, and other issues related to patient safety to the medical board and health department. Protocols for emergencies, fires, and inclement weather are in place and are constantly being reviewed.

Red Flags to Watch For

A fly-by-night surgical facility could also be a red flag about the surgeon’s background. His or her privileges may have been suspended at the accredited hospital or its associated surgery center. This could happen because of medical mistakes or behavior problems. One answer is painfully obvious – the cost. An easy way for a surgeon to cut their overhead is to use the cheapest operating room possible. Of course, no respectable surgeon would take this shortcut, so if you find out there is not an accredited surgical suite included, it is time to find a new doctor.

How to Verify Facility Accreditation

Fortunately, verifying accreditation is straightforward. Look for the accrediting agency listed on a surgeon’s website. Most cosmetic surgeons understand the importance of this to patient safety and proudly display their surgical facility accreditation. You can also verify accreditation by asking for the name and address of the surgery center and then look it up on the accrediting agency directory.

The Professional Standards Connection

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires member surgeons to use operating facilities that are routinely monitored for quality and safety. Accreditation and state licensure are vital components of an approved surgical center. This requirement ensures that when you choose an ASPS member surgeon, you’re automatically getting the safety benefits of an accredited facility.

When seeking a Plastic Surgeon Fairfield County, it’s essential to verify not only the surgeon’s credentials but also the accreditation status of their surgical facility. Board-certified plastic surgeons understand that facility accreditation is not optional—it’s a fundamental requirement for safe patient care.

Continuous Quality Improvement

Continuous quality improvement and regular inspections to maintain certification are also required to remain accredited year after year. Additionally, patient safety data must be reported to the AAAASF every three months. This ongoing oversight ensures that accredited facilities maintain their high standards consistently, not just during initial certification.

A surgeon and his staff must submit to regular inspections and provide thorough records of their policies and procedures to retain accreditation. This transparency and accountability create an environment where patient safety is prioritized above all else.

Making the Right Choice

Before choosing a cosmetic surgeon, make sure they operate in an accredited surgery center or hospital—it could literally save your life. However, choosing an accredited facility is vital for a safe experience.

Don’t let cost considerations compromise your safety. Don’t gamble on your safety. Before you schedule a cosmetic procedure, make sure your surgeon operates in an accredited surgical facility that’s fully equipped to respond to emergencies, staffed by qualified anesthesia providers and adheres to strict sanitation & patient care standards.

Your plastic surgery journey should begin with research into both your surgeon’s qualifications and the accreditation status of their surgical facility. By ensuring both elements meet the highest standards, you’re taking the most important steps to protect your safety and optimize your surgical outcomes. Remember, when it comes to your health and safety, there’s no substitute for proper accreditation and professional standards.