The sudden passing of MTV’s Wild ‘N Out star Jacky Oh after a plastic surgery procedure has sparked concerns about the risks involved in undergoing any plastic surgery. The presenter and model was only 32-years-old and leaves behind a partner and three children.
Amid the grieving, rumors began circulating that Jacky Oh had traveled to Miami to undergo a Mommy Makeover procedure. While the specifics surrounding her procedure are yet to be confirmed, this incident has brought attention to the potential risks associated with any plastic surgery, particularly Mommy Makeovers.
A Mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic procedures designed to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body. They typically involve a combination of breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction. While these procedures can be transformative for some women, it is crucial to acknowledge there are risks involved.
An Unfortunate Outcome
Any plastic surgery, including Mommy Makeovers, carry inherent risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and blood clots. In the case of Jacky Oh, the exact cause of death has not been determined. However, her story brings to light the importance of choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to minimize these risks. These specialists have undergone extensive training, possess the necessary qualifications, and adhere to stringent safety standards.
“There are inherent risks in everything we do,” says New York plastic surgeon Brad Gandolfi, MD. “When considering surgery, one should research the surgeon, his or her credentials, and read some reviews at a minimum. The person should check references like the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS.org) or specialty-specific societies like the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Not doing so is the equivalent of driving a car on the highway at night without headlights or a seatbelt.”
In the case of Jacky Oh, a social media post mentioned a popular influencer plastic surgeon known as Dr. Zachary Okhah, or Dr. Zach, who allegedly performed the procedure. Prior to her surgery Oh shared a post on Instagram with Dr. Okhah, where she wrote that she would reveal everything else about her procedure on her YouTube channel. That post has now been deleted. Dr. Zach’s board certification and qualifications have come into question since the entertainer’s death, however no cause of death has been determined as of yet.
Minimizing Risks
“A patient death from elective aesthetic surgery becomes a notable event anywhere in the world,” adds Eugene, OR plastic surgeon Mark Jewell, MD. “All types of surgery carry risk and uncertainties even in the best of situations of a prudent patient, prudent surgeon and prudent planning”
“It’s very unfortunate and it’s horrendous to see a death of any patient, especially from elective surgery,” adds La Jolla, CA plastic surgeon Robert Singer, MD. “Unfortunately, there have been too many of these in Miami from Mommy Makeovers and BBLs. While it can occur in anyone’s hands, patients should be should seek out care from a board-certified plastic surgeon with an appropriate anesthesia provider and be operated in accredited or licensed facility. It’s also important that the doctor see them well ahead of time and take a full medical history and explain not only the benefits, but possible problems that could occur.”
Patients considering undergoing a plastic surgery procedure like a Mommy Makeover should thoroughly research their chosen surgeon’s credentials, including board certification, years of experience, patient reviews, and before-and-after cases.
