The Importance of Choosing a Certified Plastic Surgery Center

Deciding to have plastic surgery is not to be taken lightly. While these aesthetic procedures can be life-changing and involve profound beneficial outcomes, the treatments are surgical and require a commitment to safety and positive outcomes from the entire treatment team. The surgeon chosen is undeniably important, but the plastic surgery center is also vital to the experience. Schaffer Plastic Surgery is certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), one of the most trusted organizations in medical facility accreditation. 

What Does Certification Mean?

Certification of a plastic surgery center signifies that it has met specific standards and requirements set by accrediting organizations such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). 

The AAAASF plays a crucial role in establishing guidelines for patient safety and care within surgical facilities by ensuring a facility’s overall compliance with rigorous quality-care standards. Unlike other forms of recognition in the medical field, certification through the AAAASF involves a comprehensive assessment of the facility itself. The location must meet or exceed standards for several aspects, including infrastructure, staff, equipment and adherence to established protocols. 

Why Certification Matters

Certification matters just as much when choosing a surgical facility because you will spend time at the facility during the procedure, during recovery and possibly at other points during your treatment plan. The surgeon is the primary person responsible for your procedure, but the facility plays a large part in your overall safety, level of care and potentially even surgical outcomes and satisfaction. 

For example, if a plastic surgeon carries out consultation and the procedure perfectly, the surgical facility must match that same level of care during pre-op, while you are in recovery and more. Otherwise, the success of the procedure or your overall comfort during the treatment could be at risk. 

The Certification Process

To achieve accreditation by the AAAASF, surgical centers must adhere to stringent criteria set forth by the organization. Accredited facilities are required to:

• Comply with all set forth industry standards
• Meet requirements for facility director and medical specialist certifications
• Successfully complete a thorough survey by a qualified AAAASF facility surveyor
• Achieve full equipment readiness for specified medical specialties
• Uphold emergency preparedness and response capability

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. 

Benefits for Patients

Choosing a certified surgical center like Schaffer Plastic Surgery offers patients numerous benefits. First and foremost, by selecting a certified center, patients gain increased confidence in the safety and quality of the care they will receive when seeking a procedure. Additionally, they can make better-informed decisions and benefit from standardized levels of care that ensure optimal outcomes and satisfaction with their procedures.

Schaffer Plastic Surgery: A Model of Certified Excellence

Schaffer Plastic Surgery is an excellent example of a certified surgical center with many patient testimonials to show the difference that choosing the right place can make for the patient experience. Led by Dr. Christopher Schaffer, one of the most respected surgeons in the country due to a commitment to a high standard of care for every patient, the facility meets and exceeds all standards set in place by the AAAASF. 

Patient safety and comfort are top priorities at the surgical center. For example, surgeries are scheduled for one patient at a time, so each person gets undivided attention from the doctor and staff. We take an “all hands on deck” approach to ensure every patient gets the highest level of care. Additionally, we’re near the Grandview Medical Center in the event an emergency arises, and we take extra steps to keep patients as comfortable as possible during their visit. 

Questions To Ask When Choosing a Plastic Surgery Center

When considering a plastic surgery center, important questions to ask include:

• What certifications does the center hold?
• Are the surgeons board-certified?
• How many procedures of this type does the surgical team perform annually?
• What are the center’s safety protocols and infection control measures?
• What is the expected recovery process for my procedure?
• How accessible will the surgical team be for post-operative care and follow-up appointments?

Also, be sure to verify certification and understand the surgical team’s qualifications. Research the center’s certifications, such as accreditation by organizations like AAAASF. Keep in mind that you can also verify the surgeon’s credentials through online databases provided by medical boards or professional organizations. For example, you can view Dr. Schaffer’s ABPS certification via the organization’s website.

The Role of the Surgeon in a Certified Center

Surgeons play a pivotal role in upholding safety and quality standards in a certified center. Dr. Schaffer and other excellent surgeons contribute their expertise, follow strict adherence to protocols and prioritize patient safety and satisfaction. This shapes the overall level of care provided by any surgical center. Their skills and commitment bolster the center’s reputation for excellence in surgical care and outcomes.

Experience the Difference With a Certified Surgery Center for Your Procedure 

Certified plastic surgical centers like Schaffer Plastic Surgery go the extra mile to keep patients safe and satisfied during every procedure. If you would like to learn more about Schaffer Plastic Surgery’s accredited facility, give us a call at 205.619.9905 to ask questions or schedule a private tour.