LOS ANGELES - Plastic surgery is generally safe, but like any operation, it does carry risk of complications. Grammy winner Kanye West's mother died Saturday after having plastic surgery, and an initial coroner's investigation said Donda West's death may have been due to surgical complications.
A 2004 study in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that serious complications from tummy tucks, breast enlargement or reduction, liposuction and other cosmetic fixes were rare.
Out of 411,670 procedures analyzed at certified office-based surgery centers over a 2-year period, researchers found serious complications occurred in 1 in 299 cases. Complications included bruises, infections, respiratory problems and heart problems. Death occurred in 1 in 58,810 procedures. The risks from surgery done in offices is comparable to procedures done in hospitals, according to the researchers.
"Surgery is still surgery. There is always some risk," said Dr. Richard D'Amico, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Almost 11 million cosmetic surgery procedures were done in the United States last year, up 7 per cent from 2005, according to the society.
To minimize the risks, experts recommend finding a well-trained surgeon and getting an extensive medical checkup beforehand to determine if existing health problems may interfere with the surgery or recovery.
