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A recent CNN article about the unfortunate death of Solange Magnano offers some useful advice for anyone considering plastic surgery.  We’re giving you the rundown here in compressed form, but you can read more in the link below:

What really killed the beauty queen?

1. Don’t seek out unapproved medical procedures.

The “Argentine beauty queen” may have requested silicone injections for a buttock augmentation, a procedure that is not approved here in the U.S. or in Argentina.  In most cases, you should assume that such procedures are restricted for a good reason.

2. Don’t take the process lightly.

When you walk into a cosmetic 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.

3. Investigate the surgery.

Your plastic surgeon should be a knowledgeable authority that you can trust, but you should still explore more than one resource for information on your procedure.  Research will help you protect yourself and help you decide if plastic surgery is truly in line with your personal values.

4. Ask your surgeon about board certification.

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

5. Ask about the safety of the facility.

If the surgery is done in an outpatient clinic, ask about accreditation of the facility.  As Tulsa cosmetic surgeon Dr. Angelo Cuzalina tells CNN, “You’re better off going to someone who cared enough to get the proper accreditation.”

6. Ask 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.

7. Find out if your plastic surgeon has hospital privileges.

Even if you’re not going to be in a hospital, knowing that your plastic surgeon is privileged means he or she has demonstrated a certain level of skill and experience.

8. Ask about your surgeon’s experience with the procedure.

ASPS president Phil Haeck says it best: “Good surgeons expect you to research them and won’t be afraid to answer personal or tough questions.”