An appropriate aesthetic procedure can be a safe, effective way to rejuvenate you both body and soul. Not only can the physical benefits be transformative, but this change in your outward appearance may also provide a radical boost in self confidence, vitality and a general zest for life. Making the decision to have plastic surgery is a big deal. The most important step you can take to ensure a great outcome is choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area. You want to find someone with the experience, skill and artistic eye to create harmony throughout your body. However, choosing the right surgeon who can devise an appropriate treatment plan for your anatomy, needs and lifestyle is just the first of many decisions that you’ll need to consider. Something that many patients do not necessarily think about is where to have your procedure. While anything non surgical such as injectables, laser skin resurfacing or micro-needling is typically done in the office, surgical procedures that require general anesthesia must take place in either an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) or a hospital.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sean Doherty, has a long track record of delivering safe body contouring results for his Boston area patients. Known for his exquisite eye and the kind of conservative approach that never looks “done”, Dr. Doherty performs all of his surgical procedures in an accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). While he has hospital privileges, if needed, Dr. Doherty prefers an ASC for its many patient benefits including lower cost, a reduced risk of complications and less of the “stressors” the come with being in a hospital setting.
What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)?
An ASC is a healthcare facility specifically designed for same day surgical procedures. This includes most aesthetic surgery. ASC facilities are independent of hospitals with less:
- Crowding
- Bureaucracy
- Risk of infection
Many ambulatory surgery centers are also owned or partially owned by the physicians who use them, giving a surgeon more control over how the facility operates. However, not all ASCs are created equal. One of the many advantages of seeing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr. Doherty, is that they only operate out of accredited ASC facilities.
Advantage of an Accredited ASC
Dr. Doherty is adamant about providing his patients with the best possible care. He operates out of a AAAA, also known as Quad A, accredited ASC facility with:
- 3 rooms
- 2 operating rooms for general anesthesia
- Board-Certified Anesthesia MDs
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
The advantage of an accredited ASC is that the facility must meet a specific standard for quality and safety. These include:
- Surgeon has to be board-certified or board-eligible
- Board-certified or eligible anesthesiologist
- Accredited CRNAs
- Staff is trained in ACLS and able to recognize signs of cardiac or respiratory distress
- Follows all local, state and national regulations for sanitation, fire safety & building codes
- Adheres to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) • Utilizes advanced patient monitoring during surgery and recovery
- Transportation/Transfer protocol to local hospital in place if needed
Benefits of ASC for Patients in Boston
There are numerous benefits to having your aesthetic procedure at an ASC instead of a hospital such as:
- Convenience
- Highest quality care
- Less expensive
- Less risk of complication such as nosocomial infections
Since an ASC only caters to patients who are having out patient procedures, it is less crowded and there are no patients with contagious viruses, bacterial infections or life threatening conditions. This can make it a safer environment. Also, fewer patients means that there is more focused care on you and your procedure which exactly what we want.
To find out more about any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Chestnut Hills office, contact us today or call (617) 450- 0070 to schedule a consultation.