Certainly the death of Donda West was tragic, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has several important recommendations when considering plastic surgery that include researching the procedure being considered, having realistic expectations, being informed, asking questions, choosing an ASPS member surgeon and confirming accreditation of the outpatient surgery center. All members of the ASPS who perform surgery under anesthesia, must perform it in a facility that meets certain criteria, including appropriate accreditation and state licensure.

All board certified American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) surgeons must have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of surgical residency training -- three years of general surgery and two years of plastic surgery, practiced plastic surgery for two years and passed comprehensive written and oral examinations covering both the cosmetic and reconstructive areas of the specialty of plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery complications and deaths are rare, despite the highly publicized death of Donda West, ASPS noted.

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