Question:
Hi, Has anyone had a tummy tuck at a plastic surgeon's office instead of at a

hospital? I received a much lower quote becuase they have a facility (equipped) where they do all their surgeries. I am a little concerned becuase I'm not sure if it would be safe, should a problem come up. Has anyone done their surgery like this? Or maybe even with them? Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery... Thanks 249/144    — Maria G. (posted on December 8, 2004)

December 8, 2004
My LBL and lipo were done at the surgeon's office and I felt I got better care then I would have in a hospital setting. They had a charming apartment to stay overnight and I had one on one nursing care. That never would have happened in a hospital. Just be sure they are certified and you should do great , also be sure they have a plan if something goes wrong. My PS sent anyone who might go bad (no one ever did) to a hospital about 10 miles away. Ask questions and set your mind at ease. Wendy
   — Wendy H.

December 8, 2004
Before you decide to use the Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery I'd suggest that you check to see if they have had any recent problems. I'm not sure if it's the Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery that had had some pretty serious problems with surgeries recently. I urge you to be extra careful and do some due diligence before selecting your doctor. Good luck.
   — vitoria

December 8, 2004
As long as they are a licensed surgical facility and have back up plans in case you should need hospitalization, there should not be a problem. My surgeon prefers to do his surgeries at the surgery center, as he can get in and out faster as they are used to working with him all the time and the costs are better controlled etc. This is not his own surgery center, otherwise it might be even cheaper. My first 2 PS were too long to do at the surgery center so they had to be at a hospital. I also was in the hospital 3 days with the LBL and 2 days with the upper torso lift. I had my medial thigh lift done at the surgery center but then stayed over night at the hospital one night. They have an agreement with the hospital that surgery center patients can stay there.
   — zoedogcbr

December 8, 2004
Yes, I did. At The Center for Surgical Excellence, by Dr. Robert Rehnke, in St. Petersburg, FL. I highly recommend Dr. Rehnke and his team as well as the facility. The facility is certified and had an operating room, recovery room and overnight stay area equal to that of a hospital or surgery center. Do your homework before deciding...DN @ GOAL
   — DianeN

December 9, 2004
I had a full face lift, brow lift, upper and lower eyelids, lips augmented, arm lift, breast lift and augmentation at the same time at a surgical center in San Diego, CA. I stayed overnight and had excellent care. They were setup for any emergency and there was a hospital across the street if needed. Good Luck! Debbie D. 11/9/02 243/129
   — debbie11092002

December 9, 2004
I feel as you do, Maria. Eventhough I haver never had an anesthesia problem, I much prefer the security of a full hospital staff and facilities. I know many do well in day-ops, surgi centers and Drs. facilities, but as I told my WLS, you could cut me from my neck to my navel, as long as you did what you felt was the safest way to go. I really didn't care about the pampering, just wanted to pacify myself as far as safety. I had my PS done in a hospital, and the place was like a hotel. I had my own carpeted room, and the nursing care was like private duty. When they brought me my first liquid meal after surgery, it was all juices and jello, and not sugar free. The nurse went down to the kitchen myself to get me something I could eat. The best hospital experience I ever had. Bottom line, have trust in wherever you decide to go.
   — Fixnmyself

December 10, 2004
I had a lower body lift and brachioplasty at an out patient surgery center and was very pleased. As stated before, make sure it is accrdited throught the Joint Commission of Hospital Accreditation. I also felt it very important that my surgeon be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If your doctor has gone thru the process to be board certified he is unlikely to be careless in the choice of where he performs his surgery. When I get my thighs and breasts done I will also go to the same surgery center. my profile has a lot of details about my experience.
   — **willow**