Jurors still deliberating in case against plastic surgeon

Madison County jurors were still deliberating Friday morning in a case against a plastic surgeon accused of removing too much breast tissue in a reduction surgery nearly nine years ago.

Carrie Zang of Witt, Ill. filed suit against R. Craig McKee, M.D. in 2001, alleging McKee violated the standard of care while performing a bilateral reduction mammoplasty with free nipple graft operation on Nov. 22, 1999 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville.

Jurors began deliberating on Thursday afternoon in the case presided over by Circuit Judge Andy Matoesian.

According to Zang, 41, McKee ignored her directive and desire that she be left with average size breasts that would complement her frame when he proceeded to remove 2,553 grams from her right breast and 2,957 grams from her left breast.

There are 454 grams per pound.

Zang claims that prior to surgery, McKee submitted a pre-operative plan in which he stated he would be removing 1,000 grams of breast tissue from each breast.

She also has alleged that McKee failed to leave an appropriate amount of tissue necessary for a nipple graft causing one of her nipples to fail and "fall off her chest," her complaint states.

Zang claims McKee severed a nerve and failed to properly close the surgical sites due to the lack of tissue needed to do so.

She claims the surgery left her permanently and irreversibly disfigured. She has claimed pain and discomfort, nerve damage, medical expenses, lost wages and psychological damage.

Zang is represented by Bob Perica of Wood River and is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs of the suit.

Ransom Wuller of Belleville represents McKee in the case.