Experts Identify "Real" Risk of Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery

Since the death of rapper Kanye West's mother, Dr. Donda West, initial public reaction seems to be going against cosmetic surgery. Some even argue that plastic surgery should be avoided altogether because it's too risky. However, in a Nov. 23 press release, experienced plastic surgeons offer guidelines that they say make cosmetic surgery safe. They also identify the "real" risks of cosmetic procedures and what should be done by anyone considering plastic surgery.

Dr. Donda West died Nov. 10, a day after she had cosmetic surgery. The Los Angeles coroner said West died of "complications from a combination of multiple cosmetic surgeries." Several news sources have reported that West's plastic surgery involved a tummy tuck and breast reduction, both performed by Dr. Jan Adams.

In the press release, Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, FACS, says that the fallout from West's death is causing a backlash against plastic surgery. However, says Shah, he and other plastic surgeons are speaking out, hoping to both educate the public about the "real" risks of plastic surgery and ease the fears of those who may be considering any kind of cosmetic procedure.

Shah, a Mayo Clinic-trained Board Certified Surgeon and clinical educator in plastic surgery, says that "cosmetic surgery itself actually carries very minimal risk if you put yourself in the hands of a qualified, certified, cosmetic surgery specialist - someone who has trained and devoted their career to the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery...the real risk lies not in the surgery itself, but in the misrepresentation and inexperience of certain surgeons."

The Mayo Clinic website is a little stronger in its statement about risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, any surgery, including cosmetic procedures, always involves certain risks and limitations. To begin with, there is always the risk of dissatisfaction with the outcome of the cosmetic procedure itself. If a patient has a history of cardiovascular disease, lung disease or obesity, there is an increased risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, stroke, heart attack, and blood clots in the legs or lungs.