Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas
The Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas, known as PSI, is our on-site AAAASF accredited surgical facility.
Established in 2003, PSI provides Dr. Lapuerta’s patients with a private surgical facility dedicated to plastic surgery that meets the highest standards for outpatient surgery safety. To learn more about AAAASF accreditation, visit www.aaaasf.org.
Cosmetic plastic surgery is increasingly being performed in outpatient settings, often in office based facilities. If you choose to have your surgery in an office based surgical facility be sure that the facility is accredited by either AAAASF or AAAHC. These are the only two office based accreditations recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Accredited office based surgical facilities offer many advantages over hospitals or outpatient surgery centers:
Dedicated to Plastic Surgery
Only cosmetic, plastic surgery procedures are performed so everything from the environment to the staff and equipment is specific to plastic surgery. You’ll have dedicated team members who already know about you and your surgical plan. The team members spend every day doing only one thing—plastic surgery with Dr. Lapuerta.
Privacy
You’ll be greeted by warm, friendly faces you already know and feel comfortable with. You won’t be simply a number in a factory line—no lines, no waiting to be called back, no crowds. You’ll immediately be placed in a private, comfortable room equipped to make your pre-operative time relaxing. Your family or friends will enjoy being able to wait in a private waiting room equipped with cable television, wi-fi, magazines and refreshments upon request. You’ll recover in a private recovery area, with a dedicated nurse and team member. When your surgery is over and you are ready to go home, you’ll be taken out through a private exit to a private, covered pick up area.
Safety
AAAASF accreditation ensures that the personnel, equipment and drugs all meet strict standards for patient safety during routine cases and in the case of an emergency, should one occur, just as in a hospital. However, because hospitals see large volumes of patients, they also see large volumes of germs. Since office based facilities see smaller numbers of patients and patients who are generally healthy, the risk of infection in an office based facility can be reduced compared to other settings.
Convenience
Greater flexibility and control over days and times for scheduling surgery and familiar, easy to access facility. Everything is in one place with the same team who knows you and can make the process smooth and calming.
Affordability
The facility cost for plastic surgery in an office based facility is typically the same or less than the cost for the same procedure when scheduled at a hospital or outpatient center. Additionally, office based facilities are able to help secure financing for patients and are able to accept many forms of financing which most hospitals or outpatient centers do not accept.
Anesthesia Options
Patients rarely get the opportunity to have choices regarding the method of anesthesia they will receive during surgery. Most anesthesia methods in hospitals and outpatient centers are driven by controlling cost, not patient outcomes or preference.In an office based setting, many options regarding the type of anesthesia you receive are available, depending on your medical history and planned procedure, and can be tailored to address your concerns and specific needs. From sedation to TIVA (IV anesthesia) to traditional general anesthesia, the best method to suite your individual case is provided without regard to cost differences and with no additional fees to the patient. From pre-existing medical conditions, to concerns over pain or nausea and vomiting to wanting to avoid feeling “drugged up” for days, anesthesia can be tailored to address your needs.The goal is a safe surgical experience and delivering just the right amount of anesthesia for your needs. One size may fit all, but a custom fit is always better!