One of the key components to safe plastic surgery is that the procedure be done in as short a time as possible. It is well known that prolonged surgery is associated with

an increased rate of complications, including infection, deep-venous thrombosis (blood clots), and delayed recovery. Furthermore, when the surgery is done expediently, it costs less.

Whenever possible, patients should make sure their prospective surgeons can complete their procedures in a reasonable amount of time. This can be done easily by comparing their times to times available on the internet. For instance, a tummy tuck should be easily completed in less than three hours. If your prospective surgeon is not planning on that, you should find out why or find a new doctor. While slow surgeons occasionally are just very meticulous, most of the time they are slow because they are indecisive, inexperienced, and generally less capable than their peers. Conversely, faster surgeons don't move quickly but are able to complete surgery more rapidly because they are experienced, capable, and decisive. While not all fast surgeons are good, slow surgeons are generally suspect. Speed in surgery is just one factor to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon, but it is an important one. It is one more way to judge the ability of your of your doctor.