Cosmetic Patient Safety Awareness Month 2026: What Cosmetic Surgery Patients Should Know

This Cosmetic Patient Safety Awareness Month, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) is proud to reaffirm our commitment to the safe practice of cosmetic surgery. As a standard-bearer for cosmetic surgery patient safety, we certify fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeons and also strive to inform the public, helping patients choose safe, effective cosmetic procedures and specialty-trained providers.

Cosmetic surgery has become remarkably safe thanks to the combined effect of proper training, rigorous standards, and appropriate facilities. But positive outcomes are not guaranteed when patients choose providers without verifying these safeguards.

Three Pillars of Cosmetic Surgery Safety

Your Surgeon’s Training and Certification

A surgeon’s qualifications are foundational to your safety. ABCS diplomates have completed a one- to two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, during which they perform a minimum of 300 cosmetic procedures under expert supervision. This fellowship follows board certification in a related surgical specialty and completion of an accredited residency program.After fellowship, ABCS candidates must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations that specifically test their knowledge and experience in cosmetic surgery. This focused training and testing matters: cosmetic surgery requires distinct skills and techniques that aren’t always emphasized in other surgical specialties. When researching surgeons, verify their credentials directly through the certifying board. Ask about their specific experience with the procedure you’re considering. A qualified cosmetic surgeon will welcome these questions and provide clear answers.

The Surgical Facility

Where your procedure takes place matters as much as who performs it. Accredited surgical facilities must meet stringent standards for equipment, cleanliness, personnel qualifications, and emergency preparedness. Accrediting organizations like Quad A, AAAHC, and The Joint Commission conduct thorough inspections to verify these standards are met.ABCS diplomates are required to operate exclusively in accredited surgical facilities or hospitals. This isn’t just a checkbox requirement, but ensures that if an emergency arises, your surgical team has the equipment, medications, and protocols in place to respond appropriately.When evaluating a surgeon, ask where your procedure will be performed and verify the facility’s accreditation status. If a surgeon operates in an unaccredited facility, this is a red flag, as it could indicate that their hospital or surgery center privileges have been restricted.

The Consultation Process

A thorough consultation is both an educational opportunity and a safety measure. During this appointment, your surgeon should evaluate your health history, discuss your goals, explain your options, and outline realistic expectations for results and recovery.Pay attention to how your surgeon communicates. Do they take time to answer your questions? Do they explain potential risks alongside benefits? Do they conduct a physical examination relevant to your procedure? Surgeons who rush through consultations or minimize risks may not be prioritizing your safety.Your consultation is also your opportunity to discuss the anesthesia plan. Understanding whether you’ll have general anesthesia, sedation, or local anesthesia—and who will administer it—is an important part of informed decision-making.

Current Safety Advances in Cosmetic Surgery

The cosmetic surgery field continually evolves to improve patient outcomes and reduce risks. Recent years have seen significant advances in safety protocols, particularly for procedures that historically carried higher complication rates.

Techniques for procedures like the Brazilian butt lift have been refined based on extensive research into complication patterns. Ultrasound-guided approaches and updated protocols have substantially improved safety profiles. Similarly, enhanced recovery protocols help patients recover more comfortably while reducing complications.

Technology has also improved surgical planning. Advanced imaging allows surgeons to visualize and plan procedures more precisely, while improved anesthesia monitoring keeps patients safer during surgery.

These advances underscore an important point: cosmetic surgery safety isn’t static. Surgeons who stay current with research, attend continuing education, and maintain their certification demonstrate an ongoing commitment to providing safe care.

Questions to Ask Before Cosmetic Surgery

Use Cosmetic Patient Safety Awareness Month to think critically about your cosmetic surgery research. Consider asking potential surgeons:

• How did you train specifically in cosmetic surgery, and what is your experience with this particular procedure? 
• What complications can occur, and how would you handle them? 
• Where will my surgery be performed, and is the facility accredited? 
• Who will administer anesthesia, and what are their credentials? 
• What should I expect during recovery, and when should I contact you with concerns?

A surgeon who prioritizes safety will provide detailed, thoughtful answers and may raise additional considerations you hadn’t thought to ask about.

ABCS Resources for Patient Safety

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery has long prioritized patient education as a cornerstone of safety. Over the years, we’ve addressed the safety topics that matter most to patients considering cosmetic procedures. Here are some of our most valuable resources:

Why You Should Care if Your Surgeon Operates in an Accredited Surgical Facility: A good surgeon is essential, but where your procedure takes place also matters. This guide covers the key elements of accredited surgical centers that help keep patients safe.

7 Things to Look for During Your Cosmetic Consultation: Your consultation is your opportunity to evaluate a surgeon’s qualifications and approach. Learn the critical elements to assess during this important appointment.

Cosmetic Surgery vs. Plastic Surgery: Understanding the Difference: These terms are often confused, but they refer to different training pathways. Understanding this distinction helps you find the right specialist for your aesthetic goals.

Cosmetic Surgery Patient Safety® Certification

In addition to rigorous board certification, ABCS offers Cosmetic Surgery Patient Safety certification. This is a voluntary credential demonstrating that a diplomate has passed a specialized Patient Safety Exam beyond standard certification requirements. Look for the Cosmetic Surgery Patient Safety badge on surgeon profiles as an additional indicator of a surgeon’s commitment to safety.

We also re-certify our diplomates every 10 years so that you can rest assured your provider follows research-driven best practices not just during Patient Safety Awareness Week, but all year long.

When you choose a board certified cosmetic surgeon, you are working with a surgeon who has completed focused fellowship training, operates in accredited facilities, and takes time to help you understand your procedure fully.