What is an accredited cosmetic surgery facility?

You have finally decided you are going to get a cosmetic procedure. So, what’s next?

Consultations, right?

What should you expect at a consultation? What kinds of questions should you ask?

Well, not only is it important to do your research when searching for the best Plastic Surgeon, but it is also equally important to research the cosmetic surgery center itself! We hope to help lead you in the right direction when choosing a plastic surgeon and plastic surgery facility.

What is an accredited facility and why choose one?

AAAASF stands for American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, was established in 1980 to standardize and improve the quality of health care in outpatient facilities.

An accredited facility has created a standard that proves providing a safe environment for patients is a priority.

AAAASF accredited facilities must adhere to stringent requirements and pass a comprehensive onsite survey by a qualified AAAASF surveyor; and to stay accredited, these facilites must complete routine reveiws.

What are the requirements of an accredited facility?

  • Surgery’s are only performed by a Board-Certified Surgeon.
  • Anesthesia is only administered by a Board-Certified anesthesiologist, or a certified nurse anesthetist.
  • The surgical staff must be certified.
  • Local sanitation, fire safety and building code regulations must be adhered to.
  • Federal laws and OSHA regulations including blood-borne pathogen and hazardous waste standards.
  • Advanced monitoring for patient safety during surgery and immediate recovery.
  • To stay accredited, these facilites must complete routine reviews.

Because accreditation is voluntary, not all surgical facilities hold this qualification.

Knowing all of this…. you are probably asking yourself why would a cosmetic surgery center not want to be accredited?

It is likely that if a Surgeon is working in an unaccredited facility, this is their only option.

This typically means that their license or operating privileges have been suspended!

Did you know that an unaccredited facility could potentially have a surgical staff with no medical training at all?!

If you are searching for a Cosmetic Surgery center with the lowest prices, you may get what you pay for! There are always risks involved in any surgery performed, but the complication rate of an accredited facility is less that a half of a percent!

Your body is priceless, don’t put a discount tag on it!

Do your research and choose a Dr. that feels right to you, but is also Board-Certified practicing in a Quad A facility.

New Image Cosmetic Surgery and Med Spa is proud to be a Zero incident facility accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF – also known as Quad A). We pride ourselves in good reveiws, happy patients, and lots of referrals!

You can verify the accreditation status of any surgical facility by contacting the accrediting organization, specifically. https://www.aaaasf.org/

Curious about a procedure? Come sit down with our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Gloria Thomas and ask questions. It’s time to get rid of those insecurites once and for all, and acheive the look you have always dreamed of! Check out the surgical tab for before and after photos of real patients.

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Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Gloria Thomas is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon – certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has over 30- years of experience in the medical field and 20 years in private practice.

Dr. Thomas graduated medical school in 1980 where she attended the University of Southern California School of Medicine. She went on to complete her residencies in General Surgery at the General Surgery Hospital and Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, The Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati, and completed her fellowship training in Plastic Surgery at Kettering Medical Center; Wright State University.

Dr. Thomas has received several “Top Doctor” designations and was named Woman of the Year for the city of Cincinnati. She has also been trained extensively in skin rejuvenation and is a Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

What should I look for when choosing a Dr?

It is especially important to choose a Dr. who is board certified in their field of practice. This assures the Dr. has extensive training and education and will provide the maximum level of care.

A board-certified plastic surgeon has:

  • Graduated from an accredited medical school.
  • Completed at least 6 years of additional training as a resident surgeon in a program accredited by the accreditation council for graduate medical education and at least 5 years in a program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
  • The residency training must cover all areas of surgery, including at least 3 years devoted entirely to plastic surgery.

What is an ISAPS member and why is it important?

An ISAPS Member:

  • Is qualified and experienced.
  • Has a record of safety.
  • Has demonstrated a commitment to ethical practice.
  • Is trained in the safest, most up-to-date techniques and treatments.

“While many types of doctors can perform cosmetic surgery, you entrust your appearance and your life to the doctor you choose. Every cosmetic surgery procedure involves risks and potential complications. If you have decided to undergo cosmetic surgery abroad, you should be confident that the surgeon you choose is properly trained and qualified to perform your procedure. The most intelligent choice is a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).”

Dr. Thomas specializes in Tummy Tucks, Breast Augmentations, Liposuction, Fat Transfers and Face Lifts to name a few. She provides the utmost post-operative care for her patients, and New Image Cosmetic Surgery is an incident free facility. We offer free consultations in our Winter Park office where you will personally meet the doctor and get all your questions answered!

References: https://www.isaps.org/, https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/