Beauty Queen's Death Highlights Surgery Risk

It should go without saying that no cosmetic surgery comes without risks—but the death of former Miss Argentina Solange Magnano, following surgery on her buttocks, is leading to a closer look at the greatest dangers. CNN talks to Nigel Mercer, a top doctor pushing for change in the industry, about pressing concerns:

• Butt implants: If they harden, sitting will be painful—and the hardened implants will be visible when you walk around.
• Liposuction: If it involves more than 6 liters of fat, it’s one of the most dangerous procedures.

• Infection: Only about 1% of all operations results in an infection—which is not just dangerous but can ruin the cosmetic results.
• Nerve damage: It’s rare, but if it happens after your facelift, the results most definitely won’t be what you were looking for. If it occurs after a tummy tuck, the bottom part of your stomach will always be numb.
• Scarring: You can’t count on an unobtrusive white line—about 4% of people end up with a “red, raised, lumpy scar.”
• Minimizing risk: Don’t have multiple procedures at the same time, don’t smoke, don’t fly anywhere to have surgery, and always check your doctor’s qualifications.

(More cosmetic surgery stories.)