Liposuction in a Doctor's Office?

Liposuction in limited volume can be safely performed in a same-day surgery facility with an important considerations: Accreditation of the office-based or ambulatory surgical facility. State-by-state the laws defining accreditation vary; absurdly some states do not require any form of accreditation. Know what your state requires, but demand even more.
Voluntary accreditation by organizations such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires regular inspections, consistent standards of care, self-survey and peer assessments.
Ask questions not only about the status of accreditation but also about the credentials of all the staff and emergency planning. Ask to see the surgical facility. You must be confident with the facility and the people who operate the facility.
Your safety is also contingent upon your surgeon’s training and experience – a board certified plastic surgeon is trained to perform anything from limited to extensive liposuction on any part of the body. Anything more than 5000cc to be removed, added procedures performed along with the liposuction and your present state of health all influence your safety and the decision of where it is most appropriate to conduct your surgery.
Members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are required to operate only in facilities that are accredited or licensed.

Dear RealSelf Admin,

Your question about the safety of undergoing liposuction in your doctor's office, as opposed to a hospital setting, is both insightful and important. The safety and efficacy of such procedures depend on several key factors, including the certification of the facility, the complexity of your procedure, and the expertise of the medical team.

When a doctor's office is described as "medi-care certified," it indicates that the facility has met specific standards set by health authorities for providing medical care, including surgical procedures. Here are several aspects to consider when evaluating the safety of undergoing liposuction in such a setting:

1. Facility Certification and Standards: Ensure the office is accredited by a recognized medical body, such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), or an equivalent. These accreditations mean the facility adheres to rigorous safety standards, emergency protocols, and quality benchmarks similar to those in hospitals.

2. Surgical Team's Qualifications: The surgeon should be board-certified in plastic surgery or a related field, indicating they have undergone extensive training and examination in surgical procedures, including liposuction. The supporting medical team should also have the necessary qualifications and experience to assist with the procedure and manage post-operative care.

3. Procedure Complexity and Your Health Status: For patients in good health undergoing minor to moderate liposuction, an office setting might be appropriate. However, for more extensive procedures or if there are specific health considerations, a hospital setting might offer additional safety nets.

4. Emergency Preparedness: The facility should have the necessary equipment and protocols in place to handle emergencies should they arise. This includes life support systems, medication to manage adverse reactions, and a clear plan for hospital transfer if needed.

5. Post-Procedure Care: Understand the plan for post-procedure observation and the criteria for discharge. The facility should provide clear instructions for at-home care and have a mechanism for 24/7 patient support in case of questions or complications.

It's important to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about the proposed setting for your liposuction. Feel free to ask questions about the facility's accreditation, the qualifications of the team, and the specific reasons why the procedure can be safely performed outside of a hospital environment. A trustworthy surgeon will be transparent about these factors and help you make an informed decision.

In conclusion, with the right preparations and qualifications, liposuction can be safely performed in a medi-care certified doctor's office. However, each patient's situation is unique, and it's crucial to weigh all considerations carefully.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

You are going to want to do your homework on this one. Is your doctor a board certified Plastic Surgeon? (Check here asps.org), does he have an accredited facility in his office? Is the anesthesia being administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist? Better to find out the answers to these questions before your surgery so you don't have any regrets.