What makes ‘safe’ plastic surgery?

The Surgeon

• Training and certification: Board certification in plastic surgery indicates formal training, exams, and continuing education.
• Hospital privileges: Active privileges for the procedures you want are a quality and safety check.
• Case selection: A safe surgeon sometimes says “not yet.” Timing and scope are part of good judgment.

Learn more about the practice and surgeon: About Dr. Neavin.

The Facility

• Accreditation: Operate in an accredited surgery center or hospital. Accreditation reviews safety systems, equipment, and staff training.
• Emergency readiness: The facility stocks emergency medications and has clear transfer protocols.
• Sterility and process control: Instrument tracking, sterility logs, and room turnover standards reduce infection risk.

Anesthesia Oversight

• Qualified provider: A board-certified anesthesiologist or credentialed anesthesia professional monitors you and manages your airway, breathing, and circulation throughout the case.
• Pre-op screening: Review of medical history, medications, allergies, prior anesthesia issues, and fasting status. The plan matches your health and the operation.
• Intra-op monitoring: Continuous heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, ventilation, and temperature monitoring.
• Nausea and pain planning: Proactive anti-nausea medications and multimodal pain control help you wake up smoother and recover faster.

Patient Selection and Preparation

• Medical optimization: Labs or clearances when indicated. Manage blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, and sleep apnea before surgery.
• Medication review: Discuss blood thinners, supplements, nicotine, and any weight-loss or hormonal medications with your team.
• Healthy ranges: Weight stability, non-smoking, and realistic goals reduce complications and improve healing.
• Informed consent: We review risks, benefits, options, and expected recovery so you can make a confident decision.

In the Operating Room

• Checklists and time-outs: Team briefings confirm patient identity, procedure, and key steps.
• Antibiotic timing: When indicated, antibiotics are given at the right time and dose.
• Blood clot prevention: Risk is assessed and we use a plan that can include early walking, compression, and other measures when appropriate.
• Temperature and fluid management: Warmers and careful fluids support circulation and healing.

Recovery and Follow Up

• Clear instructions: Simple steps for wound care, medications, activity, and support garments.
• Pain control: Multimodal plans reduce reliance on opioids and improve comfort.
• Early mobility: Gentle walking as directed supports circulation and lung health.
• Direct access: How to reach the team for questions after hours. Scheduled check-ins to track healing.

Cosmetic-Specific Considerations

• Procedure length and stacking: Combining operations is considered case by case to keep time and risk reasonable.
• Setting expectations: Before and after photos help us align on shape and size goals. We prefer plans that respect your tissue so results age well.

Patient Safety Checklist

• I verified my surgeon’s board certification and hospital privileges.
• The facility is accredited and provides anesthesia with continuous monitoring.
• My medical history and medications were reviewed and optimized.
• I received written pre- and post-op instructions and know how to reach the team.
• A realistic plan and timeline were set for my goals.