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Why AAAASF Accreditation Ensures Safe, High-Quality Outpatient Surgery at the Centre for Plastic Surgery

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January 5, 2026

By: Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Douglas Leppink, MD

At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, patient safety is our highest priority. Since 1983, our surgeons and staff have been committed to achieving excellent surgical outcomes while maintaining an unwavering focus on the safety and well-being of the patients entrusted to our care. A key component of this commitment is the accreditation of our outpatient surgery center by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).

Learn more about AAAASF HERE

What is AAAASF Accreditation?

AAAASF is a physician-founded and physician-led nonprofit organization dedicated to evaluating outpatient surgical facilities for compliance with the highest standards of patient safety. 

Their accreditation process is comprehensive and rigorous, including:

In-depth review of patient care experience

Anesthesia practices and sterile processing

Infection control protocols

Emergency equipment and medication availability

Surgeon and staff education in life-saving procedures

Continuous Oversight for Patient Safety

AAAASF accreditation involves ongoing reviews to ensure safety and quality:

Full accreditation surveys every three years

Quarterly reviews of surgical cases and complications

Evaluation of patient outcomes, satisfaction surveys, and quality assurance processes

This continuous oversight allows an independent organization to identify and address potential risks before they impact patient care.

A Legacy of Excellence in Patient Safety

The Centre for Plastic Surgery has successfully passed every AAAASF review for more than four decades. During a recent accreditation visit, a reviewer commented that the Centre “represented the pinnacle of patient safety and care.” Our fully accredited surgical suites provide a safe, private, and comfortable environment for your procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outpatient Surgery Center Accreditation & Patient Safety

What does it mean that the Centre for Plastic Surgery is accredited?

Accreditation means that the Centre for Plastic Surgery’s outpatient surgery center has been independently evaluated and approved by a nationally recognized organization for meeting the highest standards of patient safety and quality of care.

Who accredits the Centre for Plastic Surgery?

Our surgery center is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).

Why is accreditation important for patients?

Accreditation ensures:

- Evidence-based surgical and anesthesia practices

- Rigorous sterile technique and infection prevention protocols

- Availability of emergency equipment and medications

- Surgeons and staff trained in emergency response

- Continuous review of patient outcomes and satisfaction

How often is the surgery center reviewed?

AAAASF performs a full, on-site accreditation survey every three years, with quarterly reviews of surgical cases and complications.

What areas are evaluated during accreditation?

The accreditation process includes:

- Patient flow and safety protocols

- Anesthesia practices and monitoring

- Sterile processing and infection control

- Emergency preparedness and equipment

- Surgeon and staff credentials and education

- Medical records and documentation

- Quality assurance and patient feedback

How long has the Centre for Plastic Surgery been accredited?

The Centre for Plastic Surgery has maintained continuous AAAASF accreditation for more than 40 years.

Is office-based surgery safe?

When performed in an accredited facility by board-certified surgeons and trained anesthesia professionals, office-based surgery is considered very safe for appropriately selected patients.

How does the Centre for Plastic Surgery compare to other facilities?

Few office-based surgery centers maintain long-standing, uninterrupted accreditation. A recent AAAASF reviewer noted that the Centre for Plastic Surgery “represented the pinnacle of patient safety and care.”

Can I ask questions about safety before my procedure?

Absolutely. We encourage patients to ask questions and feel fully informed and comfortable before surgery.

Discover the Safety and Excellence of Our Accredited Facility 

At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, your safety, privacy, and comfort are our top priorities. Our fully accredited surgical suites are designed to meet the highest standards of patient care, ensuring a safe and seamless experience for every procedure. With over 40 years of continuous AAAASF accreditation, we are proud to offer a facility that reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence. 

To learn more about our accredited surgery center or to schedule a consultation, please call us at 616-454-1256. We are always happy to answer your questions prior to your consultation and encourage patients to take a moment to give us a call. Contact us today to take the first step toward looking and feeling your best with confidence.

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Deciding to have cosmetic or reconstructive surgery is a significant step, and your recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based program designed to improve surgical outcomes, reduce complications, and support a faster, more comfortable healing journey. At the Centre for Plastic Surgery (CPS) in Grand Rapids, we have embraced ERAS principles for many years, helping our patients heal safely and confidently.

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