OK! Special Report: The Danger Behind Plastic Surgery

Since it moved out of the shadows and into the spotlight in the last two decades of the 20th century, plastic surgery has become so thoroughly engrained in our culture that rarely do we stop to think about the dangers inherent with going under the knife for a little nip or tuck. And now, in light of the death of Donda West, mother to hip-hop superstar Kanye West, perhaps it's time to take a second look at plastic surgery.

In Donda’s case she was warned not to go under the knife because of a pre-existing heart condition. Any good plastic surgeon would follow those instructions and not perform the surgery. Also, a physician should further prod and make sure you are in a emotional state to undergo surgery. Other dangers include infection, nerve damage and blood clotting to name a few.

Which leads to the next reason why Donda may not have made it through the surgery — the legitimacy of your doctor. Donda’s doctor, Jan Adams, was already under suspicion by the California Medical Board. That means check your doctor out before you go ahead with your surgery. Get references and ask questions — don’t be afraid.

In the end, if you don’t like the surgery you’ve gotten, it can be fixed — but it’s not easy, and you still may not be happy with the outcome.

Donda West’s death is a tragedy, but it is shedding light on a side of plastic surgery few of us give much thought to. But by picking the right doctor and making the right decisions, plastic surgery is safe.