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n Saturday the 10th of November 2007 it was announced that the mother of US hip-hop star Kanye West died as a result of complications during her cosmetic surgery. However, this tragic event has had a surge of media attention and has once again put cosmetic surgery back under the spotlight.

As a result of the recent concern over the safety of cosmetic surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) stressed the importance of people realising that plastic surgery is real surgery.

"The death of a patient is always tragic and devastating for all involved, particularly the patient's family and the medical team," said Richard D'Amico, MD, ASPS president. "However, we don't want to unnecessarily frighten the public. While this situation is rare, the decision to have a plastic surgery procedure is serious. No-risk surgery doesn't exist."

When considering any form of cosmetic enhancement it is vital that you plan carefully. CosmeticHealth.Net has listed the following points that we feel are important to bear in mind:

1. Have a good reason as to why you want to have a particular treatment done. With the ease at which cosmetic treatments have been made available over the last few years it is all to easy to forget the huge investment that you may be undertaking with certain forms of cosmetic surgery, be it physical, financial or emotional. Make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons. Occasionally, people who view surgery as means to feel better about themselves may find that the problems continue after surgery, where in fact the cause of the unhappiness is more deep-rooted than they first imagined.
2. Do your research. With the help of the internet we are now able to be far more aware as consumers. Today we often look online for reviews for anything from digital cameras to cars. So why should cosmetic surgery be any different? Take a look at our comprehensive list of procedure articles to help you make the right decision.
3. Speak to friends and family. It is often a good idea to hear from the people who don’t support your decision for surgery as they may be able to offer you a different perspective, which you may not have considered.
4. Always consult your GP. Your GP should be your first port of call when considering any cosmetic enhancement. They are likely to be able to advice you on the risks that are involved and may even be able to recommend the right treatment or alternative to cosmetic surgery. They will also be able to look at your suitability for a particular cosmetic treatment by inspecting your medical history.
5. Shop around. Be careful of limited special offers. The decision to have any form of treatment should never be rushed into. It may be tempting to go for the cheapest service provider but when it comes to your health you should not rely solely on the price.
6. Speak to other patients and know what to expect. Each of our procedure articles has the option for patients to share their experiences. People can also review a clinic near you.
7. Make sure your consultant has the right qualifications. Know what qualifications are needed for your treatment and don’t be afraid to ask your practitioner about their experience with that particular surgery. Read our guide on the right questions to ask during your first consultation.

Remember that with many of the treatments the results can last a long time, or even be permanent, so make sure that you arm yourself with all the knowledge you need to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant cosmetic experience.

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