Autopsy results in the case of Donda West, mother of rapper Kanye West, revealed that at the time of her breast reduction and liposuction procedures, the 58-year-old woman suffered from coronary artery disease, which raised her risk of complications both before and after the procedures.

The controversial case has focused attention on pre-surgical evaluations in a wide-range of cosmetic procedures including emphasis on the fact that not all the responsibility lies with the patient.

Although doctors are and should be responsible for conducting a thorough health profile of their clients, patients should engage in full disclosure about their conditions or take the precaution of having a full medical work-up before consulting with a cosmetic surgery professional.

Cosmetic procedures are up from 2000 when 7.4 million were performed annually. Now the figure is closer to 11 million including 146,240 tummy tucks and 104,000 breast reductions.

Potential candidates for the procedures are advised to select a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and to not be reluctant to question the surgeon about their education and training.

While Donda West did not die specifically as a result of the procedures performed, her death was caused by a pre-existing condition that significantly raised her risk profile.

The specific circumstances of West’s consultation with her surgeon are not a matter of public knowledge, but in optimal circumstances such pre-existing conditions should directly effect how or even if cosmetic procedures are performed.