Safety Protocols & Standards to Expect in a Plastic Surgery Practice

When you entrust your health to any healthcare provider in any facility, you expect your safety to be a top priority. That’s why, once you’ve made the exciting decision to get cosmetic surgery, choosing a plastic surgery practice you can trust is a crucial next step. 

While there are many factors to consider, such as the surgeon’s qualifications, one of the most fundamental features to evaluate is the practice’s safety protocols and standards. As healthcare facilities, plastic surgery practices are required to follow the same strict safety protocols as other doctors’ offices or surgery centers. And when your surgeon performs an operation – whether in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital setting – the same rigorous safety and health standards apply as they would for any type of surgery. 

Here’s what you need to look for in a plastic surgery center, so you can rest assured that your provider values your safety as much as you do: 

Board Certification

A safe surgery depends, of course, on a skilled surgeon. Make sure the surgeon you work with is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means the physician has more than a medical license; they have met requirements for ongoing training and passed required tests to prove their knowledge and expertise in the field. Board certification also has to be renewed every 10 years to ensure that surgeons stay up-to-date in their practice. 

Accreditation

Naturally, the facilities where you receive care are also critical to your safety, so make sure your surgery will be performed in an accredited facility. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, that means “one that meets strict national standards for equipment, operating room safety, personnel and surgeon credentials.”

Sterilization & Infection Control Measures

Sterilization is a basic yet crucial component of good healthcare. And with any surgery, there can be a risk of infection. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have established Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices that apply to all types of healthcare practices.
The rules are too extensive to include here in full, but in general, your plastic surgery practice should: 

• Teach patients about post-operative infection prevention 
• Practice scrupulous hand hygiene and disinfection of surfaces
• Properly dispose of needles and syringes in the appropriate medical disposal containers
• Clean and/or change certain materials between patients
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like respiratory masks, gloves, or gowns for certain close-up jobs or potential contact with bodily fluids
• Display signs reminding people of proper sanitation practices

When you see these foundational best practices in place, that’s a major sign that a plastic surgery provider takes your safety and health seriously. 

Emergency Preparedness

In general, plastic surgery is considered safe. However, with any medical procedure, there are always risks. That’s why you want to know that your surgeon and the entire plastic surgery practice have the training, equipment, and plans in place to take care of you if an emergency or complications do arise. 

Ask what the specific risks are for your surgery, and note whether your question is answered with serious attention. A surgeon who is willing to candidly discuss possible complications is much more likely to be prepared to address them if they arise. You might ask things like:

• What happens if you need to be transferred to the hospital?
• What happens if there’s a complication during or after surgery?
• Whom should you call if you have a major postoperative concern after business hours?

Protecting Your Health & Your Peace of Mind

At The Lucas Center, your safety and health are our top concerns. That’s why Dr. Lucas is proud to have maintained board-certification since 2002 and perform surgeries at Parkwest Medical Center, one of East Tennessee’s top award-winning hospitals. 

When you visit our office, you’ll see we comply with the CDC core practices for infection prevention, including high standards for handwashing, sterilization, PPE, and more. We’re also always happy to answer any questions you have about safety protocols and standards, risks, or complications! Because your peace of mind is important to us.If you’re considering plastic surgery, know that you deserve to feel safe and confident during this next phase of your health journey! When you’re ready, schedule your initial consultation or give us a call at (865) 218-6210.