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Examination Room
Minor skin procedures such as light peels, Botox or
collagen injections can be safely done in the office
examination room. Using the exam room for a procedure
is the most private, most convenient and least costly
place for surgery to take place.
Most procedures that are carried out in the exam room
have no additional facility charge. Because it is the
least sterile environment, though, more invasive or
extensive surgeries must be performed in an operating
room.
Office Operating Room
Many doctors these days have the luxury of an operating
room within their office suite. Like the exam room this
also offers convenience, privacy and reduced costs.
If no sedative is given and the eyelids or eyes themselves
are not operated on, then the patient may be able to
drive himself or herself home afterwards.
Because the cosmetic surgeon's private operating room
is otherwise unregulated, it's a good idea to make sure
it has been inspected and approved by JCAHO,
AAAASF,
or AAAHC
to be certain that it is up to certain operating standards.
(see previous section on accreditation)
Outpatient Surgery Center
The outpatient surgery center (sometimes called ambulatory
care facility) is preferred by surgeons who don't have
their own operating room or who wish to have the patient
monitored by nursing staff overnight without having
to be moved to another facility.
Most surgery centers are allowed to keep patients on
a "23-hour hold", meaning that you go home
the day after surgery at approximately the same time
that you checked in.
An outpatient / ambulatory surgery center is not legally
allowed to keep you after 23 hours, so if a longer stay
is required or anticipated, you will need to have your
surgery in the hospital, or plan to be transferred there
after surgery.
An ambulatory facility usually offers more personalized
service, more privacy, and less cost than a hospital,
but on the other hand, there is less privacy and more
cost when compared to the office operating room.
Hospital Operating Room
Some patients will need to have their surgery in the
hospital for one or more reasons. These can include
patients: with significant or multiple medical conditions,
requiring more than one night stay after surgery,
with allergies to latex products, or for health insurance
coverage (if applicable, and if the surgery facility
is not covered).
Of all the options, the hospital is the least private
and most expensive facility. The biggest advantages
are that it allows for multiple nights' stay without
having to move to another facility, laboratory and radiological
facilities, and the highest level of emergency care
with easy admission to the main hospital, if needed.
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General Info Topics
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