Your Safety is Always First

One of the most important questions to ask a plastic surgeon when considering cosmetic surgery is, “Where do you operate?” Another important question is, “Who will administer my anesthesia?” These aren’t topics to take lightly, because your health and safety may hinge on the answer.

My primary concern is for my patients’ safety during plastic surgery. As a board certified plastic surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), I am obligated to perform surgery in an accredited facility. Studies have shown that accredited outpatient surgery centers have excellent safety records, with extremely low rates of serious complications (less than one half of one percent), according to the ASPS.

I perform plastic surgery procedures at the Greenbaum Surgical Specialty Hospital. As an accredited facility, it must meet stringent local, state, and national standards for a comprehensive list of issues, including safety, equipment, sanitation, and personnel. I think it offers the best of both worlds: although Greenbaum was designed primarily for outpatient procedures, it also has 26 private recovery rooms that can be utilized for short stays if necessary.

Among its several areas of specialization, the Greenbaum surgery center excels in all aspects of care related to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. This facility is part of the larger Scottsdale Healthcare system and is on the campus of Osborn Medical Center, a full-service hospital. It’s also located right across the street from my office. I have been performing surgery at Greenbaum since I opened my practice in Scottsdale because I think it offers the safest environment for my patients.

Although I am not required to use a board-certified anesthesiologist to attend my plastic surgery patients, I insist on it. Anesthesiology is a complex specialty, and board certification assures me that the physician in the operating room with me is exhaustively trained in all aspects of anesthesia during plastic surgery. When I work with another doctor whom I trust, it allows me to focus on the surgery.

Patient safety involves many other factors, too. In fact, it begins with the initial consultation, when you and I discuss your general health and determine whether you are a good candidate for elective surgery. Conducting a comprehensive review of your medical history helps us formulate the most cautious surgical approach possible. So I start focusing on patient’s safety at the original consultation and continue this focus until recovery is complete. In my opinion, cutting corners on safety is not an option.

Categorized in: Surgical Procedures