Surgeon to the stars’ medical license at risk
SANTA ANA, Calif. - The doctor who performed a tummy tuck and breast reduction on the mother of Kanye West is a plastic surgeon to Hollywood’s elite and something of a celebrity himself, with appearances on programs from “Extra” to “Oprah.”
What Dr. Jan Adams hasn’t publicized is that the California Medical Board is investigating whether to revoke or suspend his license over alcohol-related arrests; that he has been the target of malpractice lawsuits; and that he’s paid nearly $500,000 in civil settlements.
Adams, through his spokesman Kevin Williams, confirmed he operated on Donda West, 58, who died Saturday night at Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center in Marina del Rey after she stopped breathing at her home.
Adams would not say when and where the surgery was done, citing doctor-patient confidentiality.
She underwent cosmetic surgery Friday in Los Angeles and went home, said Capt. Ed Winter of the county coroner’s office.
The coroner’s office said initial indications were that West died from surgical complications, but an official cause of death won’t be issued for six to eight weeks pending further tests, Chief Coroner Investigator Craig Harvey said Tuesday after an autopsy was conducted.
Adams, 53, told celebrity Web site TMZ.com that West’s death was not caused by the surgery but could have been caused by a heart attack, a pulmonary embolism or vomiting.
Some patients who sought treatment from Adams said they learned of him through TV appearances on such shows as “Oprah,” “The Other Half” and “Extra.” He also had his own show on Discovery Health.
Adams graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1985 and says on his Web site that he received an undergraduate degree from Harvard University.