The Difference Between Cosmetic Surgery in a Hospital vs Surgery Center

Safety and convenience are two of the most important factors to consider before choosing where your plastic surgery procedure should take place. When you think of surgery, it’s not uncommon to automatically assume it would occur in a hospital.

But what about boutique surgery centers? Why not receive your procedures at a place that specializes in the art of plastic surgery? More and more people are opting for smaller surgery centers rather than the commotion you might encounter at a hospital. Our plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale offers some insight about plastic surgery at a hospital vs. a surgery center.

Are Surgery Centers as Safe as Hospitals?

One of the most important questions you need to consider before your procedure is safety. While you might think the safest place to get plastic surgery is at the hospital, it’s not the only place you can get your procedures done. The number one rule of cosmetic procedures at a surgery center is that it must be a certified, accredited facility with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Surgery centers take the same precautions and prepare for the procedure just as a hospital would. Additionally, a boutique surgery center will be able to provide a higher level of support and care than a hospital. Rest assured that proper protocols and safety measures are in place and enjoy the comfort and convenience at our surgery center in Fort Lauderdale.

Should I Get Plastic Surgery at a Hospital or Surgery Center?

Though where you choose to undergo your cosmetic procedure or plastic surgery is ultimately up to, it’s important not to rule out surgery centers. Hospitals, of course, conduct surgeries like clockwork, but have you ever thought of the level of care you deserve, not to mention the potential diseases and germs coming in and out of hospitals? Regardless, there are many pros and cons of plastic surgery at a hospital vs. surgery center.

Sanitation

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our boutique surgery center in Fort Lauderdale has increased our sanitation efforts per the guidelines set by the CDC. While this means that hospitals are also taking additional sanitation precautions, they are also overloaded with COVID-19 patients. When deciding between a hospital versus a surgery center for plastic surgery, on a sanitation level, it is relatively equal due to the latest sanitation guidelines the healthcare industry has implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you choose a large surgery center instead of a smaller, boutique surgery center, there is an increased risk of higher turnaround, which can lead to reduced time spent on proper sanitation between patients.

Reduce the Risk of Illnesses

When it comes to reducing the risk of catching any illness, are you better off getting plastic surgery at a hospital or a surgery center? Hospitals treat a wide-range of injuries and illnesses while a boutique surgery center has a much smaller patient load since it’s more specialized. Especially these days, hospitals are also treating innumerable COVID-19 cases every day, which has been shown to spread fairly easily. You are putting yourself and your plastic surgeon at risk of contracting the virus just as everyone is working so hard to stop the spread.

Think about how many patients are going in and out of the waiting room of hospitals and large surgery centers. Due to the high volume of patients coming in and out of these areas in such a short period of time, it can lead to a higher risk of catching viruses. Are hospitals and large surgery centers cleaning the area after each patient steps through the door? How much space is there between you and the other patients? There is a significantly lower rate of catching an illness from a smaller surgery center rather than a hospital or a large surgery center.

At our office, we are testing all patients and staff any time they walk in as well as enforcing strict social distancing guidelines. There is a significantly reduced risk of contracting COVID-19 and other illnesses in a small, controlled center like our office.

Ultimately the decision is up to you whether you prefer getting plastic surgery at a hospital vs. surgery center. Consider sanitation measures as well as the potential risk of catching any illnesses, especially in the current climate, before choosing the location of your surgery. If you have any further questions regarding plastic surgery in Fort Lauderdale, please contact us today.

Faith

Dr. Zoran Potparic is a board certified plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, committed to performing surgery of the highest quality, safety, and artistry. He applies his years of global study and research, as well as more than 30 years of hands-on experience performing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for patients coming from all over the United States.