More patients have realized the importance of finding a board certified plastic surgeon with the right experience to enhance their chances of good results.  While this is a step in the right direction, it is not only checking you need to do.

The physical act of the operation is rarely dangerous in cosmetic plastic surgery, assuming you have found a board certified plastic surgeon.  The anesthesia you receive, where the operation takes place, and who is giving the anesthesia are critical.

Make sure you know where your surgery will take place before agreeing to schedule.   It should be an Accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center or Hospital.  You can check with AAAASF, JCAHO, and AAAHC to insure the site is inspected every year, and is currently certified.  The center should be able to show you a certificate good during the date you are having your procedure. 

Simply having surgery in an office means there is no oversight or control over the operating room or emergency protocols, and if it is anything more than a mole, it should make you nervous.

Some doctors save money by giving anesthesia themselves, or using a Nurse Anesthetist instead of a board certified anesthesiologist (a doctor with specialty training in anesthesia). I do not feel I can give you anesthesia and concentrate on your surgery at the same time.  While some Nurse Anesthetists are fantastic, I feel more comfortable with a doctor giving anesthesia.  I am not trained in anesthesia, and shouldn’t be supervising a nurse in that capacity  if I am not an expert in that field.

So, do your homework- board certified plastic surgeon, board certified anesthesiologist, accredited surgical center.  Good luck!