The Private Advantage

A closer look at how a private surgical clinic prioritizes discretion, continuity of care, and a personalized experience for facial plastic surgery patients. 

By Dr. Philip Solomon & Nancie Heiber

When considering facial plastic surgery, patients face an important decision long before the procedure itself: where should it take place? As aesthetic medicine continues to evolve, it has become clear that the clinical environment has a significant psychological impact on patient comfort, privacy, and overall confidence. While hospitals remain essential for complex and multidisciplinary medical care, accredited private surgical clinics are purpose-built for elective facial procedures, with an emphasis on discretion, continuity of care, and a calm, patient-centred setting.      Dr. Philip Solomon, MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon, practising Facial Plastic Surgery in Toronto, explains what distinguishes a high-quality private surgical centre and why a more personalized setting can meaningfully shape the surgical journey from consultation through recovery.

Living Luxe (LL): What are the biggest advantages of choosing a private clinic for facial plastic surgery compared with a hospital setting?

Dr. Philip Solomon (PS): One of the nicest advantages of a private clinic devoted exclusively to facial plastic surgery is the intimacy and privacy of one-on-one, patient-focused care. Every aspect of the environment in our private surgical centre is intentionally designed for elective aesthetic procedures and the patient experience.

This means greater continuity of care, a team that knows you personally, and a setting tailored specifically for facial procedures. Private clinics also tend to offer more scheduling flexibility, increased privacy, and a calmer atmosphere—important factors when undergoing a procedure that is both physical and emotional. We also have state-of-the-art technology not available in hospitals, used for skin resurfacing and fat grafting to enhance facial outcomes. 

LL: How does a private clinic setting allow for a more personalized surgical journey, from the initial consultation through recovery?

PS: Our private clinic provides an intimate setting for a one-on-one consultation with myself, as well as my team of patient care coordinators and my registered nurses. Consultations are comprehensive. We evaluate anatomy and discuss goals, lifestyle, and expectations. That level of dialogue allows us to develop a customized surgical plan.

The team that patients meet during consultation also serves as their support staff throughout the surgical journey. That continuity fosters trust and comfort. Post-operative care is equally individualized. Follow-up visits are conducted by highly skilled staff and myself; we have a keen eye for detail and are well versed in recovery protocols.

LL: What safety standards and protocols are essential in a high-quality private surgical clinic?

PS: Patient safety is imperative and is our number one priority. The Solomon Nasal and Facial Plastic Surgery Centre is deemed a Level 3 facility—the highest accreditation outside a hospital setting. A high-quality private surgical clinic should meet or exceed provincially required accreditation standards, such as those set by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. 

Essential on site are a board-certified anesthetist, a fully equipped operating room with hospital-grade monitoring, an emergency preparedness system, and strict sterilization and infection-control protocols. A reputable private clinic such as ours is always willing to be transparent about credentials and safety procedures.

LL: Can you walk us through how patients typically prepare for surgery in a private clinic, and what they should expect throughout that process?

PS: Surgical planning takes place between the patient and the surgeon, both in consultation and again pre-operatively. Following the initial consultation, some patients may undergo a medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy candidates for surgery. Pre-operative photography, imaging when appropriate, detailed written instructions, as well as consent forms, are provided.

In the weeks leading up to surgery, we guide patients on medication adjustments, supplements to avoid, smoking cessation, and nutrition optimization. The goal is to create the safest possible physiological environment for healing.

On surgery day, patients arrive in a calm, private setting. The environment is quiet and supportive—very different from the bustle of a hospital. After surgery, they recover in a monitored recovery suite before going home the same day in most cases.

Post-operatively, structured follow-ups are scheduled at regular intervals. Our team remains accessible for questions throughout recovery. Patients never navigate the process alone.

LL: For patients weighing their options, what factors should they consider when comparing a private clinic with a larger medical centre or hospital?

PS: The most important factors are surgeon expertise, facility accreditation, safety protocols, and personal comfort.

A large medical centre may be appropriate for patients with complex medical histories or those requiring multidisciplinary hospital resources. However, for healthy patients undergoing elective facial procedures, a well-accredited private surgical centre often provides equivalent safety with a more refined and patient-centred experience.

LL: In your view, how does the private clinic environment influence a patient’s confidence and overall sense of well-being throughout the surgical journey?

PS: The environment has a profound psychological impact. Facial plastic surgery is deeply personal—it affects identity, self-image, and confidence. A private clinic setting offers discretion, calm, and continuity of care. Patients are not navigating crowded waiting rooms or rotating care teams.

When someone feels genuinely seen, heard, and cared for, their anxiety decreases. That emotional comfort translates into a smoother surgical journey. Confidence isn’t just about the result; it’s about how supported a patient feels from consultation to final follow-up.