Are there benefits to going to a hospital for a tummy tuck vs a private office? (photo)

Question

Debating whether to go to Mass General or Boston Medical Center for a tummy tuck because im scared that if I go to a private office they wont have as much resources.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

I perform all my tummy tucks in a private office operating room. It is fully accredited and has exactly the same resources and safety devices as a hospital. More importantly, I have my own staff - the same nurses and anesthesiologist who have done thousands of procedures with me. I confidently feel that my setup is far safer than any hospital. We can discuss this more during a consultation. Also, I always allow my patients to tour the operating facility before their surgery date and speak with my anesthesiologist and nurses...and they are always impressed.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

I believe that both a fully accredited surgical center and a hospital are safe.  Many plastic surgeons have their own surgicenters which go through a rigorous accreditation process.  Hospitals are also safe and you mentioned two very good hospitals.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Frankly, the costs of a hospital so far outweigh those in an ambulatory surgery center as to be absurd.  Hospitals, in general, are not run for the benefit of cosmetic surgeons or their patients.  They are for sick people and I doubt that you will find the same level of attention in the recovery room as in a privately run facility.  I personally do not perform tummy tucks in my accredited office based surgery center, preferring an ambulatory center which has multiple anesthesiologists and extensive staffing.  I think that this provides a sufficient degree of safety while affording individualized care.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  It is very important for you to be psychologically and emotionally comfortable to help speed your recovery after tummy tuck surgery.From your question it seems that you feel you would be more comfortable having the extra support that is possible in a major hospital setting, and you should respect these feelings.Many excellent plastic surgeons operate in a private office and do so safely.However understand that the main motivation for outpatient surgery in a private office is financial to save expense.I personally share your feelings.  I have been plastic surgeon for 31 years and I prefer to operate in a hospital setting for the same reasons that you mentioned.

Are there benefits to going to a hospital for a tummy tuck vs a private office? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Follow your "gut instincts" and comfort level when choosing where to have your tummy tuck

Answer: Follow your "gut instincts" and comfort level when choosing where to have your tummy tuck

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Are there benefits to going to a hospital for a tummy tuck vs a private office? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Follow your "gut instincts" and comfort level when choosing where to have your tummy tuck

Answer: Follow your "gut instincts" and comfort level when choosing where to have your tummy tuck

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.