PATIENT RESOURCES

Where your surgery
takes place.

General education about common surgical settings. Your surgeon and anesthesia team determine what is clinically appropriate for your procedure, health, and recovery support.

Ambulatory surgery center

An ambulatory surgery center, or ASC, focuses on outpatient surgery. Many patients are discharged the same day after monitored recovery, but an ASC is not appropriate for everyone.

Outpatient does not mean minor or free of anesthesia. Local anesthesia, sedation, regional anesthesia, or general anesthesia may be used depending on the procedure and clinical plan.

Hospital setting

A hospital may offer additional resources, monitoring, specialized equipment, blood products, staffing, or the possibility of an inpatient stay when procedure or medical needs require it.

Hospital surgery can also be outpatient. A hospital setting does not automatically mean an overnight stay.

What helps determine the setting

Procedure complexity and expected length
Health conditions, medications, and prior anesthesia history
Specialized equipment, blood products, and support needs
Staffing, facility capabilities, and recovery planning

Questions for your care team

Why is this setting appropriate for my plan?
How will anesthesia and recovery be monitored?
What licensing or accreditation does the facility maintain?
What transfer arrangements are available if needed?
What ride and at-home support should I arrange?

Plan from individualized instructions.

Do not change medication, fasting, transportation, or supervision plans based only on a website. Follow the instructions provided for your care. After sedation or general anesthesia, arrange responsible adult transportation and follow your team’s supervision guidance.

Costs vary. Confirm the actual estimate, coverage or authorization requirements, and whether surgeon, anesthesia, and facility charges are separate. An ASC is not automatically less expensive, and a facility charge is not the total cost.

Preferences matter, but clinical suitability and available resources matter too.

QUICK QUESTIONS

Does same-day discharge mean I can drive myself home?

No. After sedation or general anesthesia, follow the care team’s transportation and supervision instructions.

Does hospital surgery necessarily mean an overnight stay?

No. Hospital surgery may be outpatient or may involve an inpatient stay depending on individual needs.

SOURCES

General educational references:

These sources do not establish KP Plastic Surgery Medicare participation, facility affiliation, accreditation, or coverage.