7 Plastic Surgery Safety Tips, Courtesy of CNN

Posted on December 14, 2009 | by

A recent article on CNN.com includes many useful safety tips  and guidelines for plastic and cosmetic surgery patients. Though we’ve organized them into a shorter format for easy reference, I recommend that you read the whole story on their website.

Don’t…….

Don’t seek out unapproved cosmetic procedures.

According to sources for CNN, Argentine beauty queen Solange Magnano, who died of complications from cosmetic surgery, requested silicone injections for a buttock augmentation – a procedure that is not approved here in the U.S. nor in Argentina. You should assume, in most cases, that such procedures are restricted by the FDA for a good reason.

Don’t be careless or take the process lightly.

When you walk into a plastic surgeon’s office, it may not “feel” like a hospital, but it’s definitely not a spa. Real surgeries are performed in your plastic surgeon’s suite, with real risks.

Do….

Research the procedure of interest.

Though your cosmetic surgeon should be a trustworthy, knowledgeable authority, you still need to seek out more than one resource for information. Research will help you protect yourself and help you decide if plastic surgery is truly in line with your personal values.

Ask your surgeon about board certification.

Find out what board has certified your surgeon and what standards must be met to receive that certification.

Inquire about facility accreditation.

If the surgery is done in an outpatient clinic, ask about accreditation of the facility. As cosmetic surgeon Dr. Angelo Cuzalina recommends, you should find “a clinic that’s been accredited by a group such as the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.”

Find out if your surgeon has a prevention plan for DVT.

Deep vein thrombosis is a possible complication. Your plastic surgeon should take steps to minimize the risk and be prepared to see early signs of its occurrence.

Ask about your surgeon’s experience with the procedure and hospital privileges.

A good surgeon will have absolutely no qualms about sharing his or her experience and credentials.