 | 14 Nov 07 |
Night before last I heard that rapper Kanye West’s mother, Donda West, reportedly died during a ‘cosmetic procedure.’ It wasn’t until the following day that her doctor, Dr. Jan Adams, revealed that he’d performed a tummy tuck and breast reduction on West just before she died. He claims, of course, that the woman’s death was unforeseen and could have been caused by a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or massive vomiting. I had to wonder, he’s her doctor and couldn’t tell the difference?
From all reports, Adams met with West for at least four months before the surgery took place, and he blasted another doctor, Andre Aboolian, who said he advised Donda against having the procedures done. Aboolian refused to conduct the surgery because of a medical condition West had. But Adams claimed that Dr. Aboolian was “sleazy and manipulating the truth to elevate his own importance.” Hey, the woman’s dead, so who’s really the sleaze manipulating the truth?
Earlier this year, January 7th, novelist Olivia Goldsmith underwent elective facial surgery and entered an irreversible coma within hours. Her assistant made the decision to have her removed from life support, but Goldsmith died before they could pull the plug. I think Goldsmith herself would have been embarrassed to write an ending so baldly and tragically ironic: checking in to look more youthful—and never checking out. As if that wasn’t enough, on February 16th, a second woman, Susan Malitz, the 54-year-old wife of Connecticut urologist Alan J. Malitz and daughter-in-law of psychiatrist Sidney Malitz, died during a face-lift—at the same hospital.
Horror stories about plastic surgeries gone bad are fairly common—exploding breast implants, death by liposuction, noses that fall off after rhinoplasty. Yet, as with many tragedies, the media only starts paying close attention when the tragedy is catastrophic or happens to a celebrity.
As a whole, I believe society has gotten more cavalier toward cosmetic surgery. How could it not with shows like Extreme Makeover, where ten things get done at once to create instant transformation. It’s all about being the tightest and biggest you can be. National statistics prove it.
The number of total cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. since 1997 has increased 446 percent to about 11.5 million surgical and non-surgical procedures in 2006, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Women had 10.5 million procedures last year. The top surgical procedures were liposuction, 403,684 procedures; breast augmentation, 383,886; eyelid surgery, 209,999; abdominoplasty, 172,457; and breast reduction, 145,822. More than 3.1 million non-surgical Botox procedures were performed last year, according to the ASAPS. What’s not normally mentioned in these statistics, though, is the high end of the death scale associated with these procedures, which is 100 out of every 100,000. That percentage may not seem like a lot, but I’d prefer keeping that small percentage for myself, thank you very much.
I’m certainly not judging anyone who opts for plastic surgery. Hell, I look at my own face and body each day and loath the aging process. Truth of the matter is gravity is not kind to older women. It yanks boobs and butts south, then add to that crows feet, mouth lines, and funky neck wrinkles that weren’t there yesterday, and I can see why some women run to the nearest surgeon. Of course I’d love to look younger and tighter, but at what cost? My life? And for what purpose? To get a man’s attention? Puuulease.
You never know, one day, probably by the time I’m 92, the technology for plastic surgery may enter a new era. All you’ll have to do is step into a capsule, choose from a menu list: LIPS, NOSE, TUMMY, BUTT, BOOBS…and whammo, instant rejuvenation without the need for anesthesia or knives. A few brain cells might get screwed up in the process, but most people think mine already are anyway. Maybe then I’ll consider having a ‘procedure’ done. Until then, I’ll just avoid mirrors when en route to the shower.
Anyone else hear of a cosmetic horror story?
© 2007 – 2009, Deborah LeBlanc. All rights reserved.
Deborah LeBlanc is an award-winning author and business owner from Lafayette, Louisiana. She's also a licensed death scene investigator and an active member of two national paranormal investigation teams.
She is the president of the Horror Writers Association, president of the Writers' Guild of Acadiana, president of Mystery Writers of America's Southwest Chapter, and an active member of Sisters in Crime, Novelists Inc, and International Thriller Writers Inc. In 2004, she created the LeBlanc Literacy Challenge, an annual national campaign designed to encourage more people to read, and founded Literacy Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting illiteracy in America’s teens. She also takes her passion for literacy and a powerful ability to motivate to high schools around the country.
Subscribe to Posts 
I know it’s not funny…the poor woman is dead for godsakes…but Carl Hiassen has covered this hysterically in at least two of his books…a young woman dying after a botched nose job, and in Skin Tight, a hitman who goes to the dermatologist to get a wart removed (I think)…the derm has a stroke…and the killer winds up with pockmarks all over his face. Easy to identify. Funny in Hiassen, not funny in real life.
by Rosemary Harris November 14th, 2007 at 5:32 amI tend to steer away from horror stories of any kind regarding surgeries gone wrong. If my doctor was to advise me to have a surgery to save my life, I’m not sure if I could do it. There’s something about being ‘put under’ and having the chance of never waking up again that scares me spitless.
I do have 2 friends that have had breast implants, and their experiences turned out fine. With the exception of recovery of course, but that’s to be expected. Even with their glowing recommendations, I still refuse to do it.
by Wanda H November 14th, 2007 at 5:46 amI’ve heard about chemical peels gone bad that resulted in severe burns and skin grafts.
I agree with that cosmetic surgery is often treated in a cavalier manner. Elective surgery is STILL surgery! And like any surgery, there are always risks. You need to weigh your options and make the best decision for you.
by Wendy November 14th, 2007 at 6:38 amI think it’s sad that people can’t just be happy with the way they look. Sure, it some cases, plastic surgery is necessary, especially in cases of severe deformity where it affects a person’s quality of life. Or in the case of a woman I know who had breast reduction surgery, not because she wanted to be prettier but because she was having severe back problems from the weight.
Personally, I’ve got a scar on my face that probably could have been plasticized and made smaller, but after almost 14 years with it, I’m over it. It adds character. I like to think it makes me look edgy and dangerous. ;o)
So as everything I have drifts slowly south, and the snow starts to accumulate on the top of my head, I think I’ll just go along with it with dignity.
What really bother me are the stories of young girls (minors still under their parents’ care) getting boob jobs or collagen implants or other enhancements. Bah. At some point you’ve gotta like yourself for who you are, because if you don’t, no surgery in the world is gonna fix you.
by B.E. Sanderson November 14th, 2007 at 7:03 amI considered having a nose job to fix my nose (I broke it a multiple times in high school), but after the anxiety attack I had when I was ‘put under’ for an emergency appendectomy two years ago I the idea of any elective surgery, its just not worth it, to me.
I feel for the peope who have lost a loved one after a ‘simple’ surgery, I think that most people look at surgery statistics in a way that they look at crime statistics – its never going to happen to me. Then when they are affected by it they are shocked and amazed.
by Tiffany November 14th, 2007 at 7:16 amKanye West is a “boy” who needed his mother, even though he’s well out of boyhood (agewise) so I feel for him.
Cosmetic plastic surgery is something I joke about having, but have never really considered. Although the older I get, the harder it is to do it the natural way!
Love the title, Deb !
by Natalie November 14th, 2007 at 7:53 amSure, I’ve heard horror stories. But I’m not sure I would assume that this woman had plastic surgery “to get some man’s attention.” I’ve known women who sacrificed for years raising familes etc, and later in life do something “for themselves” in the form a plastic surgery. I’ve also known women who had breast reduction because of chronic pain and no small about of misery when trying to get dressed every single day. There are many reasons people choose plastic surgery.
Does society and unreal expectations add to it? Hell, the diet industry thrives on it, as well as make up, skin care products, plastic surgery etc.
The only good that might come out of this is the scrutiny of this doctor.
It’s
by Jen November 14th, 2007 at 8:55 amIt’s sad and senseless. I’ve always had a horror of plastic surgery, mostly because I want to scream at the women on television that it’s STILL surgery dammit! I’m talking about shows like Extreme Makeover, of course. I watch with fascination, I’m in awe of the transformation, but I think no way in hell could I go through with that.
I saw a show once about these women who went to Costa Rica, or somewhere like that, to have plastic surgery on the cheap. Oh God, the recovery looked so painful. They were like zombies being wheeled around this hotel where they recuperated. And all so they could get these drastic procedures done for a bargain. They lived through it, came back and started talking about other things they’d like to get done, but I kept thinking how it’s a freaking different country with different standards and how do you KNOW your surgeon is any good?
There are no cheap, easy fixes to looking fabulous. Want to lose weight? Commit to a body builder-type diet and hitting the weights and cardio. Takes longer, much harder, but safer than lipo and with more permanent results. Wrinkles? Well, not much you can do about that, other than use sunscreen and drink lots of water. At a certain point, facelifts are obvious anyway. I’ve met a few women who look like the Joker….
by Lynn Raye Harris November 14th, 2007 at 9:20 amI sympathize with Kanye, but his mother had been told (this doesn’t let the doctor off the hook) she had thyroid problems that can lead to heart attacks. There is patient and doctor neglect of the issues here. Kanye is the victim.
Like everyone else I’ve stuggled with self image issues. I finally had a loud discussion with my mother over her constant haranging of mine and my daughter’s weight. I simply tolder, “Mom it’s hard to find happiness inside myself when you constantly tell me I need to lose weight. I’ve tried, now I’m trying to be happy with myself.” She finally saw it my way, or at least shut up.
I have a sun/liver/brown spot on my upper check and a witches wart (who in the heck knows what it is) but I quit seeing them a long time ago. My sister keeps telling me she’d have them removed. I’m thinking it’s just not worth it and I’m noticing, her witches wart is still growing below her lip…just like mine.
We need to learn to be happy inside ourselves and shut out society and peer pressures that make us into who we are not. I think if you take the witches wart away, I’m only partially me.
Great post Deb.
by Cele November 14th, 2007 at 9:27 amI’m 50 pounds overweight. Ten pounds for each of my kids.
I’ve never considered surgery. I know–deep down–that if I ate smaller portions, less fat and less carbs, I’d lose weight. I know that if I exercised I’d lose weight. The diet I tried led to added stress which led to not being able to write as fast or well as I wanted to. So screw diets. I eat healthy. Just a lot.
However, I did pull the card of a personal trainer because I do know when I did exercise regularly I wasn’t skinny, but I didn’t have so many bumps in the wrong places. Now I’m trying to adjust my schedule, but that’s largely dependent on my kids schedules.
Breast reduction surgery is often medically necessary. My good friend had her breasts reduced when she turned 18 because she couldn’t walk without pain, and running was out of the question. She felt no one would take her seriously in life with abnormally large breasts.
Hey, if someone wants to have surgery and pay for it, fine. As long as they know the risks. But I don’t want the government to start mandating that insurance companies cover cosmetic surgery because of self-esteem issues.
by Allison November 14th, 2007 at 9:37 amAs someone who’s had breast reconstruction because of cancer, I don’t understand why anyone would go through it voluntarily. Breast implants cause a loss of sensation in the nipple area, which actually makes you less sensual. Besides, look at Kate Hudson and her mom, Goldie Hawn. They look pretty good, and no one can call them big breasted.
by Edie November 14th, 2007 at 9:43 amI want to try to avoid any kind of surgery at all costs! I’m a big baby. The only surgery I’ve ever had was a c-section, and I wouldn’t even want to do that again. Count me out of elective surgery. I’m not all that happy with my body, but it’s ALL mine! BTW – love the title of the post!
by Erin Hunter November 14th, 2007 at 9:49 amI’ve heard lots of horror stories about plastic surgery usually resulting in death.
by Melissa K. November 14th, 2007 at 9:58 amI’m a breast cancer survivor and as such my boobs are sagging way earlier then they should. I’d like to have a boob job but I can’t afford it.
After having 2 open heart surgeries it would take a whole heck of alot for me to go under the knife again for any type of surgery.
by Christy H. November 14th, 2007 at 10:10 amI do love the results I get from Botox and Restylane though.
About two years ago, I was scheduled to have jaw surgery that would have fixed my bite and made my profile look better, but I was sitting there in the last preop appointment and he started talking 5% chance of permanent numbness, not being able to drink out of a straw and such, I chickened out. It just wasn’t worth it. I suspect I’ll succumb to other things as I get older though.
by Poppy November 14th, 2007 at 10:17 amNot from real life, but from the boob tube – seems apt. I’m sure it was based on real life stuff. The woman insists on surgery, despite warnings that her skin is not appropriate. She finally makes her way to an unethical doctor, and gets hideous scarring. I forget the technical name.
by brighttyger November 14th, 2007 at 10:36 amI’m a huge proponent of plastic surgery. For men and women. Butt ugly people can be transformed. It can and does change a person’s life.
I loved Extreme Makeover! LOVED. IT! I would smile so hard during the final unveiling my face would freeze. I loved it so much I wrote the network a letter saying thanks for doing something positive for people instead of tearing them down.
I have a friend who had a honker of a nose. This past year she finally couldn’t stand it a day longer. Her hubby was adamantly opposed to her having surgery. She did it for herself. She has a lovely nose now and smiles all of the time. Plastic surgery is a very personal choice and there are as many different reasons people do it as the people who get it done.
As with any procedure, buyer beware. There are quacks in every operating room.
by Karin November 14th, 2007 at 10:48 amI’ve heard all kinds of horror stories about plastic surgery, but I didn’t know it could kill you! The way I look is just going to have to do!
by Karen Gold November 14th, 2007 at 11:07 amI don’t see myself ever being interested in plastic surgery but you should never say never. As I get older I know my idea of beauty has changed and what people do to themselves with plastic surgery is not really attractive to me.
by Maureen November 14th, 2007 at 11:10 amI heard about Kanye West’s mother dying from the celebrity gossip blogs that I visit. http://www.tmz.com is CONSTANTLY updating with new facts about the doctor that worked on Kanye’s mother. Every aspect of his life is up there for everyone to see from his DUI’s to beating his wife, etc. The sad part is, it might not have been the doctor’s fault that she died. She was told that it’s dangerous for her to have these procedures and other docs advised against it. So what did she do? She found a doc that would do it anyway. And she got the expected results. Death. It’s sad but why would she still go through with a surgery that she was warned not to do? Who is really at fault here? It seems everyone is blaming the doc but I think the mother is at fault for not listening when she was warned. She got her tummy tuck and breast lift, but she’s gone now and will never get to show it off. Not worth it in my opinion.
by RachaelfromNJ November 14th, 2007 at 11:54 amI just love seeing all these varied opinions!
And wouldn’t you know, one of my daughters comes to see me today and says, “Hey, Mom, know what I’d like for a Christmas and birthday present? Boob job!” UGH! ARGG
by Deb November 14th, 2007 at 12:08 pmi hate root canal done and it hurt badly
by kim h November 14th, 2007 at 12:30 pmI would never consider cosmetic surgery. I know of one woman that died and I have heard several stories about things going wrong. I have accepted that I’m getting older and have desire to change my looks. I don’t like the idea of being operated on unless it’s necessary to save my life!
by Carol M November 14th, 2007 at 12:32 pmWhat I really meant to say was ” I have NO desire to change my looks.” lol
by Carol M November 14th, 2007 at 12:33 pmArggg, even saying ‘root canal’ makes my mouth hurt!
by Deb November 14th, 2007 at 1:17 pmAttention-seeking behavior and with ALL that we have there is less thankfulness. There are even butt and peck implants (or something like that), for males; yes, this is an amazing world. People are unhappy with their own biological gifts. Blame it on society; easy way out. Taking responsibility for coming to terms with ‘what is’; a thing of the past.
by *Re November 14th, 2007 at 3:18 pmI had to have a total knee replacement in order to be able to walk. When the doctor told me all the dangers I was not thrilled but had no choice. I don’t think I would ever have cosmetic surgery.
by Joyce November 14th, 2007 at 5:11 pmI had rhinoplasty in high school, but that was after my nose was practically knocked off my face by a flying goal post (ok, so I slipped in the mud and flew into a stationary goal post, same result). Anyway, I still have a crooked nose, so there’s no way I would ever risk having surgery again unless it’s absolutely necessary. Nothing’s guaranteed. Not even living.
by Patti November 14th, 2007 at 5:22 pmHi Deb,
by Toni Hingleton November 14th, 2007 at 5:58 pmThe only thing that I would consider would be a tummy tuck. I need to lose weight. Like Allison, about 50 lbs however I’m kinda scard to lose it cause what would the skin do? Where would it go? I don’t think the skin would bounce back and I don’t know if I can live with tummy skin that hangs down to my knees. . .
~Toni
I’m not against plastic surgery. At all. Now i’m not advocating it, nor do i think it should be used as often as it is but i don’t see anything wrong with it. I’m on a weight loss journey and have extra skin. I’m trying hard to love myself enough to leave it there but, i can’t make that promise. However on the other hand, i wouldn’t go into plastic surgery with out lots of research on the procedure, the doctor and the hospital i was going to use. I think many people are careless about signing themselves up for this kind of major surgery.
by jessiegirl November 14th, 2007 at 6:12 pmPlastic surgery is a real blessing for people who have severe deformities or burns but I cannot see using it just to remove a wrinkle or two. In any case the person thinking about plastic surgery should definitely check out the surgeon & the hospital where the surgery will be performed.
by Helen November 14th, 2007 at 8:26 pmI can’t help thinking of what Dolly Parton looks like now, her face, I mean. I wonder what she would look like today, computer regenerated. I’m a makeup junkie and have settled into the realization that my ancestors did not give me a great classic bone structure, but cosmetics help. I love Lauren Hutton’s over 40 stuff as it is more natural for my age group. It really is so sad that we are youth and looks oriented. We can do a lot with what we have by using addems without dying during surgery.
by Cait London November 14th, 2007 at 9:59 pmDon’t forget the celebrity society she moved in assumes everyone will have work done, and no one believes they look weird with their stretched-out, immobile faces and bodies. Personally, no matter how small the odds, I would never do anything that could damage my health for cosmetic reasons, but, as one comment here proves, there are people who think it’s a good idea. I just feel sorry for her the woman who had the nose job; with a “friend” who makes remarks like she did about her natural looks, who needs an enemy.
by Jane November 15th, 2007 at 9:35 amJane, while we are no strangers to controversy here at Murdershewrites.com, and we certainly encourage healthy debate, there seems to be none of that in your comment. In fact, it seems to be nothing but a personal slam toward one of our members, which, IMO, was TOTALLY uncalled for. I’m a little confused. Can you explain why you would choose to do this?
by Natalie November 15th, 2007 at 10:56 pmJane said, “as one comment here proves, there are people who think it’s a good idea. I just feel sorry for her the woman who had the nose job; with a “friend†who makes remarks like she did about her natural looks, who needs an enemy.”
Yo, Jane, how right you are! Who needs an enemy, but if you insist on insulting the commenters here, especially one who resides in this house, you may very well find yourself with a few. So, chill out. And if that is beyond you, you are not welcome here.
Peace, lady.
by Karin November 16th, 2007 at 12:51 amOne thing I learned in politics is that everyone has the right to their opinion, and in debate no one has the right to attack the debater. I had contemplated deleting the snide reply about another person’s comment, but decided to leave it because like Natalie said, we’ve often brought up controversial topics. Let’s just remember why we’re here and be nice
by Allison November 16th, 2007 at 7:00 amJane, really? You see the commenter as an enemy because she supported her friend’s decision? I see it as a woman really understanding what another woman has endured in her life and supporting her choice to do something about it. The commenter is a good friend of mine, and I’m surprised anyone would see her that way.
by Jen November 16th, 2007 at 7:51 amI don’t think I will ever get plastic surgery. It just seems so unnatural. I don’t want anything foreign in my body and I don’t think I would like to have lasers around me for a non-necessary procedure.
Loved the Carl Hiassen remark.
by Kristie November 16th, 2007 at 6:41 pmI heard about Kanye West’s mother. Very sad. I would never get a plastic surgery. I heard to many horror stories and I don’t think it’s worth it.
Hugssss
by ReadingIsSoMuchFun November 16th, 2007 at 10:00 pmLindaH
[...] HIgh School Life placed an interesting blog post on Nip and *ucked [...]
by Nip and *ucked November 18th, 2007 at 12:52 pmafter weight loss breast lift…
Special enzyme engineering makes these lipids even more functional and enhanced mineral retention. MCT is also shown to increase calorie…
by after weight loss breast lift February 19th, 2008 at 7:25 am