Haute MD is a curated directory of board-certified physicians across six specialties, independently reviewed and editorially featured by Haute Living.

How are Haute MD doctors selected?

Every Haute MD physician is editorially vetted by the Haute Living editorial team based on credentials, patient outcomes, and professional reputation.

What specialties does Haute MD cover?

Haute MD features physicians in Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dermatology, Fertility, and Concierge Medicine.

Doctor Selection · Plastic Surgeon

How Do I Know If a Surgical Facility Is Safe?

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team

A safe surgical facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), or is a licensed ambulatory surgical center (ASC) or hospital. These accreditations confirm that the facility meets established standards for equipment, staffing, emergency protocols, and patient safety. You can verify accreditation status directly with AAAASF or AAAHC before your surgery date.

The three accreditation standards

AAAASF accreditation requires that all operating physicians are board certified, the facility has appropriate emergency equipment, and staff are trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). AAAHC standards are similarly rigorous. State-licensed ASCs are inspected and regulated by state health departments. Unaccredited office-based surgical suites have no external quality verification.

Questions to ask about your facility

Is this facility AAAASF, AAAHC, or state-licensed accredited? Who will administer my anesthesia — a board-certified anesthesiologist, a CRNA, or the surgeon? What is the emergency protocol if a complication occurs? What is the closest hospital and what is the relationship with that facility?

Anesthesia qualifications matter

Board-certified anesthesiologists (MDs) have completed a 4-year anesthesia residency. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are qualified for most cosmetic procedures. The surgeon administering their own anesthesia is a significant red flag — it is not possible to both operate and safely monitor anesthesia simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to have surgery in a doctor's office?

Office-based surgery is safe when the facility is properly accredited, the surgeon is board certified, anesthesia is administered by a qualified provider, and emergency protocols are in place. An unaccredited office suite with no external oversight represents meaningful additional risk.

What is AAAASF accreditation?

The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities is the leading accreditation body for outpatient surgical facilities. AAAASF-accredited facilities have passed rigorous inspections confirming they meet patient safety standards for equipment, staffing, and emergency preparedness.

Should I choose a surgeon who has hospital privileges?

Yes — hospital privileges indicate that a credentialing committee at an accredited hospital has reviewed the surgeon's training, competency, and outcomes and approved them to operate there. Even for procedures performed in office suites, hospital privileges are a meaningful external quality indicator.

Can I visit the surgical facility before my procedure?

Yes, and you should. Ask to see the operating room during your consultation or pre-operative visit. A well-equipped, clean, professional facility demonstrates the practice's investment in patient safety.

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