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.

Both the Mayo Clinic and Shah emphasize that anyone considering cosmetic surgery should do their research even before consulting a surgeon. Shah cautions against choosing a plastic surgeon based on his or her popularity or media presentations. Shah himself has appeared on television programs such as Dr. Phil and Extreme Makeover.

Yet he warns potential plastic surgery patients that the media is not a trustworthy source in terms of a surgeon's qualifications. Shah says, for example, that West's surgeon, Dr. Jan Adams, was actually a frequent guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show and also had his own makeover TV program. However, Shah says that according to the California Medical Board website, Adams is not board eligible or certified in plastic surgery and has been sued numerous times for medical malpractice. "By no means does a TV appearance signify that a doctor is a qualified cosmetic surgeon...anyone considering plastic surgery must do their own research into a surgeon's history and medical qualifications," he said.

So, what are the "real" risks of cosmetic surgery? The experts say risk begins when a potential cosmetic surgery patient neglects to research a surgeon's training and credentials.

Shah urges people to visit the websites of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American College of Surgeons and the Medical Board of the state in which the plastic surgery is to be performed. Before allowing any surgeon to perform a cosmetic procedure, make sure he or she has been specifically trained in the field of Plastic Surgery. Shah claims that too often even anesthesiologists and family practice doctors are performing cosmetic procedures they are not qualified to do.

Search for malpractice claims. Shah says that if a surgeon is practicing in an unethical or unsafe manner, chances are good someone has filed a complaint; one of the best indicators of incompetence is malpractice claims or settlements. The Federation of State Medical Boards is a good resource for tracking disciplinary actions. It also never hurts to do a Google or Yahoo search on both the name of the surgeon and the hospital or clinic where the surgery is to be performed. Sometimes some interesting and helpful information will turn up.

Although it may not be necessary to click personally with your surgeon, be sure to meet face-to-face with him or her and assess your comfort level. The more comfortable you feel, the more likely you will be to address your fears and ask the right questions.

The experts also say there are certain red flags to look for when meeting with the surgeon. If he or she seems to be trying to persuade you to have the surgery, or pushes you to have additional procedures, make note. A reputable surgeon will be cautious and advise you accordingly, no matter what the cosmetic procedure.

If you are over age 50, any qualified surgeon will require a complete medical exam prior to going ahead with any procedure. Shah says that if the surgeon discounts the need for a full medical exam or takes your word that you are in good health, you need to find another surgeon. Even more important, if the results of your medical exam indicate you're not a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, heed the warning. The experts say that doctor shopping until you find a surgeon who'll agree to perform the procedure you want is one of the most common causes of disaster.

It's important to follow your doctor's orders. Ignoring pre-surgery instructions may put your life at risk. Following pre-operative orders, whether that be avoiding alcohol and aspirin or quitting smoking, is critical to reducing the risk of plastic surgery.

Shah and other experts also emphasize being honest with yourself and with your surgeon. Make sure you know why you are pursuing cosmetic surgery. An improvement in your appearance may increase your confidence and self-esteem, but it will not cure clinical depression or solve interpersonal issues.

All plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures carry with them some level of risk and should not be taken lightly. However, the "real" risk lies in not doing your homework with regard to selecting a surgeon, not following your doctor's instructions and being less than honest with yourself and your doctor.

Sources:

Press release, "Surgery is Safe;" http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/11/prweb571326.htm

Mayo Clinic; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/SN00006