The risks of plastic surgery have been in the news lately thanks to the death of Donda West, mother of Kanye West. West died following a “tummy tuck,” a common plastic surgery operation. At this time, the cause of her death is unclear.
In the wake of her death, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued a press release. They emphasize that plastic surgery is generally safe, but offer general suggestions as to what prospective patients should do to reduce their risk.
Research is the number one safety precaution: read studies about the risks and benefits of whatever procedure you are contemplating. Make sure you hear opinions from multiple sources: your primary care physician, your surgeon, medical journals and former patients who have undergone the procedure. Make sure you understand what will be happening to you every step of the way.
Furthermore, be sure to check the credentials of the experts who are giving you advice. The ASPS emphasizes making sure that your surgeon is board-certified and that your outpatient surgery center is accredited.
Most of these are common-sense procedures that ought to be applied to any surgery you may need to undergo. When it comes to plastic surgery, as it is often not part of an emergency procedure, you have the opportunity to take some time and research the risks before assuming them.
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