Risks of cosmetic surgery under the spotlight again

Nov 15 2007

The safety of cosmetic surgery has again become an issue following the death of the mother of rapper Kanye West.

West's mother died following plastic surgery involving a tummy tuck and breast reduction.

The surgeon who carried out the operations is apparently not a board-certified plastic surgeon and has reportedly twice lost malpractice suits with other cases against him still outstanding.

It appears that the woman suffered from a heart condition and had been advised against such procedures by another doctor.

Experts say cosmetic surgery is nonetheless surgery, and people need to be aware of the risks which are the same as those involved in other types of surgery.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons nearly 11 million cosmetic surgery procedures were done in the U.S. in 2006 and earlier research reached the conclusion that complications arising from cosmetic and other forms of plastic surgery were very rare.

However the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery says tummy tucks are a risky and invasive procedure which are often taken too lightly.

Many surgeons regard tummy tucks as one of the most dangerous cosmetic procedures and say most patients who request them tend to be in a high-risk group; they are often older, have had children, and are heavier.

Such operations carry the risks of strokes, bleeding, along with post-operative problems and patients who combine surgeries such as West's mother only serve to multiply the risk factors.

Experts say patients must be told the extent that they are increasing their risks and have a full medical checkup prior to embarking on cosmetic surgery.

Patients are also advised to shop around and only allow a a well-known well-trained surgeon to carry out such surgery.