The standards and practices of multi-disciplinary outpatient surgery centers and hospitals are very comparable. The regulatory standards have different credentialing bodies, but in my
practice, I utilize board certified anesthesiologists in both sites. The infection rates and complication rates are monitored and state reportable in both.
Because board certified plastic surgeons typically have hospital privileges, they may simply utilize block scheduling so your surgery could be performed either on the surgeon’s hospital day or outpatient surgery center day.
Some surgeons do not have plastic surgery residency training and privileges to perform cosmetic surgery in a hospital setting, because the peer credentialing process verifies that they indeed are not eligible. Candidly, these lesser-trained surgeons may talk down having your surgery in a hospital.
Because my credentials allow me access to both outpatient surgical centers and hospitals, I usually decide if patients need the hospital resource based upon medical history and social situations. Some patients prefer the care of a hospital overnight stay, since it unburdens family members from having these responsibilities. This delegates to me and my RN staff the task of stewarding you from start to finish. However, some patients having complex surgery are happy with going home. Prior to outpatient surgery, my staff and I make sure that you and your support person are educated, including written materials, on what to expect in the days and weeks after your procedure.
In your personal consultation, we will discuss many factors, including the right procedure(s) fory ou, surgeon skill and temperament, staff support, Operating room setting, location, price and meeting expectations. Only after these considerations can we truly serve your interests.
