How Can I Know That My Plastic Surgeon Is Safe? (Plastic Surgery Safety in the Office)
- Jen Overton
- Jan 27, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 21, 2025
When considering plastic surgery, many patients find themselves drawn to the convenience and accessibility of surgical procedures performed in a plastic surgeon's office. While this option can be appealing, it’s crucial to consider your own safety and be certain that you are comfortable with this option.
In this article, I am going to lay out a few points to help you be sure that you are in safe, capable hands. With the right precautions and informed choices, you can minimize risks associated with office-based surgeries. Below, we’ll explore essential steps to ensure your safety during these procedures.
Understand Plastic Surgery Safety in the Office Surgical Suite
Not all plastic surgeons' offices are created equally. Some may offer only sedation for minor procedures. Some offer only sedation for major procedures. And some are equipped like an actual hospital operating room, providing comprehensive anesthesia capabilities.
Please read below!!!! I cannot express enough that it is absolutely vital to understand the specific setup of your surgeon’s office before proceeding with surgery.
Research Your Surgeon: Credentials and Experience
Before agreeing to put your life and the future physical appearance of your body into someone else's hands, especially for procedures that are completely elective and cosmetic, there are several questions that should be asked and a little research that every patient should pursue.
Have your friends had any surgeries performed at this office already?
How many times has this surgeon performed this surgery?
How many have been done in the office?
Talk to Previous Patients
One of the best ways to gauge the reliability of a surgeon is to seek firsthand accounts from previous patients. Ask friends, family, or acquaintances who have undergone procedures in the same office. Inquire about their experiences, particularly regarding any complications that arose during or after their surgeries.
Check Experience
Ask your surgeon how many of the specific procedure you are considering they have performed in their office. This information can provide insight into their level of expertise and familiarity with the procedure in that particular setting.
Verify Credentials
This is going to sound so crazy to many of you because most people naturally trust doctors, but in this day and age, you need to verify that your doctor is actually legally able to practice medicine. Because cosmetic plastics procedures are generally paid out of pocket, there is less oversight than you may imagine.
Utilize the National Provider Identifier (NPI) database to verify your surgeon's qualifications. This resource allows you to confirm their credentials and ensure they are licensed to practice. [NPI Database](https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/)
Confirm Board Certification
This may be very surprising, but not all practitioners who label themselves as plastic surgeons are actually board-certified in plastic surgery. It’s absolutely essential to ask if your surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met rigorous training and experience standards, which can significantly impact your safety and the quality of your results.
Being board-certified is a point of pride for all physicians because that certification sets them apart. Typically a surgeon's (or any physician's) board-specific certification will be visible in their office, maybe on an office wall. Look for that certificate at your visit or ask the physician themselves.
The American Board of Medical Specialties also has a great website to find out whether your surgeon is board-certified in plastics before you even schedule an appointment.
//www.certificationmatters.org/find-my-doctor/?
I find that often physicians can be known in a community by a nickname or shortened version of their actual name. Be sure to type in the correct legal full name of your physician so that your results are accurate.
Some people feel that checking another person's credentials can feel nosy or intrusive, but remember that you are putting a lot of time, expense, and most importantly, trust in your surgeon. Double check and choose wisely.
RED FLAG WARNING: If you find that your "plastic surgeon" is not board certified, This is a big deal. Your planned surgery could be dangerous and costly. You really need to ask more questions before scheduling a surgery in this surgeon's office. Thank me later.
Check for Accreditation of the Office and Surgical Suite
Accreditation is a certifying process that hospitals and facilities undergo every few years to be sure that their processes and facility are in compliance with high standards of care (think sterilizing instruments, cleaning the facility, making certain there is a plan for emergency, etc). Accreditation is difficult and time-consumiing to attain and is a point of pride for facilities who are accredited. If you are having surgery at an office, your plastic surgeon should WANT to be accredited as this proves they provide a very high standard of care.
Plastic surgery offices can use a few different accrediting agencies, but the most common are AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare) and AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities). After considering a plastic surgeon, you can discover whether their office is accredited. All you need is the address.
Below are the links to discover whether your surgeon's office is accredited. You will probably need to look at both and input the address of your surgeon's office to see which accrediting agency they use.
Here you will have to click "Search Accredited Facilities" and enter the address. At the time of this article, the link is under construction, but they offer phone confirmation to patients (847)775-1970.
AAAHC: https://www.aaahc.org/find-accredited-organizations/
Enter the information on the form to search for your plastic surgeon's facility.
RED FLAG WARNING: If you cannot find your plastic surgeon's office on one of these lists, you need to ask more questions before scheduling a surgery in office. Your surgeon's office should be able to provide their accrediting agency and you should verify accuracy by internet search of that specific agency, verifying the surgeon's office address.
Understand the Procedure and Risks
Educate yourself about the specific surgery you’re considering, including potential complications. Are the associated risks something you are willing to accept in an office setting? Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about the safest place to have your procedure.
Want to know more about Do's and Don'ts at the Plastic Surgery Office?
Click the image below.
Be Honest About Your Health History
Transparency regarding your medical history is absolutely critical. Be forthright about any previous health issues, medications you are taking, and any allergies. This information allows your surgeon and anesthesia provider to tailor their approach to your unique needs, enhancing your safety during the procedure. It also helps determine if the office is really the safest place for you to have your surgery.
Sometimes the surgery itself can be performed in the office, but specific patient factors may mandate that it be performed in a hospital where there are more hands to help.
Communicate with Your Anesthesia Provider
Anesthesia is a vital aspect of any surgical procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask your anesthesia provider questions regarding the type of anesthesia you will receive, its effects, and any potential risks.
Understanding the anesthesia process can alleviate anxiety and ensure you're more comfortable with your surgery. Communication with your anesthesia provider can also help him or her tailor your anesthetic to your specific needs. You do not want to leave questions unanswered here.
Ask Questions
Never shy away from asking questions. Whether it’s about the surgical procedure itself, post-operative care, or any other concerns, open communication with your surgeon and the entire medical team is essential for your peace of mind.
Questions about how to keep yourself safe under anesthesia? Click the image below.
Wrapping It Up
Surgery at a plastic surgeon's office can be a safe and effective option if you take the necessary precautions. By thoroughly researching your surgeon and their office, understanding your procedure, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team, you can significantly minimize risks. Remember, your safety should always come first.
By following these guidelines and prioritizing your safety, you can navigate your plastic surgery journey with confidence. Always remember that prepared patients have better outcomes.
Still worried about anesthesia for your upcoming surgery or procedure? Click the image below to read How to Overcome the Fear of Anesthesia: Tips for a Better Surgery Experience.
Have more questions about anesthesia? Check out more articles here!
Also, feel free to leave a comment below (not private) that could help someone else, or reach out to me through the contact me page.
**Information provided is intended as general healthcare information for the public and should be used as a guide. This information should not be substituted for the specific personal advice recommended by your own healthcare team who are familiar with your specific health history.*
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