Paula Deen considers plastic surgery to remove excess skin after dramatic weight loss

Celebrity chef Paula Deen is considering getting plastic surgery to remove excess skin after her dramatic weight loss, but the thought of going under the knife makes her hesitate.

The Southern chef admitted to Entertainment Tonight that she’s found herself with a lot of extra skin since her commitment in 2012 to eating healthy, saying, “At 66 you’ll find your chin in your lap, you know, if you lose too much, because that loose skin has to go somewhere doesn’t it?” But Deen’s insecurities regarding image are matched by her uncertainty over the safety of the operation.

“Folks wake up dead after surgery sometimes,” she said. “I’m just scared of it.”

Deen was diagnosed with type-2 Diabetes in 2008 but didn’t admit to her health crisis until January 2012, following her commitment to act as spokesperson for a diabetes drug made by Novo Nordisk. A public uproar followed her official statement due to the Food Network star’s promotion of infamously buttery and fried, down-South recipes that are overwhelmingly inconsistent with a diabetes-appropriate diet.

American Chef Anthony Bourdain tweeted in response to Deen’s announcement, “Thinking of getting into the leg-breaking business, so I can profitably sell crutches later.”

Since then, Deen has pledged to live a healthier lifestyle with the support of her husband Michael Groover and her two sons, Jamie Deen, 45, and Bobby Deen, 42. According to The Huffington Post, the family’s success is more proof that a team attempt at weight loss, as research indicates, is more effective than a solitary effort. The American Psychological Association found that working in conjunction with someone of the same mindset pushes individuals to maintain discipline and reach their goals.

Indeed, the Deen family has lost a combined total of 200 pounds. Deen also revealed to ET her plans to lose another 15 on top of the 45 pounds she has already shed.