Hospital vs. Ambulatory Surgery Center: Which Is Better for Your Procedure?
When considering plastic surgery, one important decision is where to have the procedure—in
a hospital setting or an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). Each option has its advantages
and the best choice depends on your health, procedure complexity, and personal comfort
level.
Hospital Surgery: When Is It Preferred?
Hospitals provide a higher level of care and are ideal for:
- More complex procedures requiring extended monitoring.
- Patients with medical conditions that may require additional support.
- Emergency preparedness, with larger staff and full-service medical teams.
The trade-offs? Hospitals tend to have more scheduling delays and can come with higher
costs due to increased staffing and resources.
Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC): Why Choose This Option?
Many plastic surgery procedures can be safely performed in an ambulatory surgery center,
which offers benefits such as:
- Greater efficiency – Fewer delays and a smoother scheduling process.
- More personalized care – A smaller surgical team means more direct attention.
- Lower costs – ASCs often operate at a lower cost than hospitals.
However, ASCs are best suited for healthy patients undergoing less invasive procedures
since they have fewer resources for handling complex emergencies.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The decision comes down to your individual health needs and the complexity of your
procedure. At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, we offer both hospital-based
and ambulatory surgery options to ensure every patient receives the safest and most
comfortable experience possible.
Contact us today to learn more.
