The death of former Miss Argentina Solange Magnano from complications after a gluteoplasty has caused the media to raise questions about the safety of plastic surgery. Ms.Magnano, a 38-year old mother of twins, reportedly died from a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that lodged in her lungs, restricting oxygenation of the blood) after having silicone injected into her buttocks.  Her death was a tragic event, and our thoughts are with her family at this time.

According to reports, Ms.Magnano had her surgery performed at a "clinic" and was believed that the procedure was "not a big deal".  Since the details surrounding the circumstances of her surgery and subsequent death are not clear, it is impossible to responsibly comment on the specifics of her case.  However, it is important to note that pulmonary embolism is a rare, but known complication of any surgical procedure.   A 2004 study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found just 17 pulmonary emboli out of over 400,000 patients who underwent cosmetic surgery with plastic surgeons in accredited operating rooms (about 0.01%), with 6 of those resulting in death.  

Although developments of new techniques and instrumentation make surgery less invasive with shorter recovery times (for example, the harmonic scalpel for facelifts), cosmetic surgery is still surgery, which inherently carries the risk of peri-operative and post-operative complications.  It should not be confused with spa treatments.  If you are thinking about plastic surgery, you should be assured that your plastic surgeon is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and that his or her surgical facility is accredited.  Ask to see your surgeon's operating facility.  Discuss your full medical history and ask what the plan is to address your specific medical needs (are you diabetic, do you take any medications?).