A British woman’s $9,200 “mommy makeover” in Turkey turned into her “biggest regret” after complications left her feeling she looked better before the surgery.
At a Glance
- Chantelle Woolston, 46, underwent a mommy makeover in Turkey including tummy tuck, breast revision, and back lift for $9,200
- She regrets the procedure, claiming she looked better before and is struggling with daily activities due to complications
- Woolston previously lost 91 pounds after gastric sleeve surgery in 2020, which left her with excess skin
- Post-surgery issues include hard stomach areas, gathered skin, and unsightly scars
- She warns others about overseas cosmetic surgery, urging thorough research and trusting instincts
The Lure of Affordable Cosmetic Surgery
Chantelle Woolston made the decision to travel to Izmir, Turkey, for a comprehensive cosmetic procedure after previously losing 91 pounds following gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul in 2020. The 46-year-old was left with excess skin after her significant weight loss and sought a solution through what’s commonly known as a “mommy makeover” – a combination of procedures including a tummy tuck, breast revision, and back lift. The package price of $9,200 was significantly lower than similar procedures in her home country, making it an appealing option.
Woolston selected the clinic based on positive reviews and impressive before-and-after photographs she found online. She was particularly influenced by images of “stunning women” shared through a Facebook group dedicated to the clinic’s work. It wasn’t until after she had paid her deposit that she began noticing negative comments about the facility, but by then, she felt committed to proceeding with the surgery.
“I trawled the internet for places to go. I didn’t see any negatives on this Facebook group. It was just so positive and they sent me pictures of stunning women. I thought ‘bloody hell, can I have that body?'”, said Chantelle Woolston.
A Surgery Experience Gone Wrong
Upon arriving at the clinic, Woolston reports feeling rushed through the pre-operative process with minimal consultation. The hurried nature of her experience raised concerns that she unfortunately dismissed. She describes the facility as operating “like a conveyor belt” with pressure to move quickly through the process. The post-surgical experience was equally troubling, as she woke up feeling physically distressed and immediately regretful of her decision.
Woolston experienced significant complications following her surgery. She reports developing hard areas in her stomach, gathered and tight skin, and what she describes as “crusty” breasts. These physical issues have made daily activities challenging and have left her feeling worse about her appearance than before the procedures. Her recovery has been difficult, with persistent discomfort and results far from what she had anticipated based on the clinic’s promotional materials.
“It was a case of you need to hurry up. It’s like a conveyor belt. When I came round I was in a mess. I was freezing cold. I thought ‘I’ve made a big mistake’.”, added Woolston.
Differing Perspectives on Recovery
The clinic has responded to Woolston’s complaints by stating that healing from such procedures typically takes three to six months. They attribute her current issues to normal swelling and suturing effects that should resolve with time. Additionally, they have invited her to contact them directly for follow-up evaluations and support, acknowledging her dissatisfaction while maintaining that her experience falls within normal post-operative expectations.
Woolston, however, firmly believes her results are not merely a matter of incomplete healing. She expresses strong regret about choosing this particular clinic and wishes she had conducted more thorough research before proceeding. Her disappointment is palpable as she compares her current appearance unfavorably to her pre-surgery body, even with the excess skin from weight loss that initially prompted her to seek surgical intervention.
“I’d built it up so much and I was so excited to go. I couldn’t wait to see the results. I 100 percent wish I hadn’t done it with this clinic. I’m regretful of going with this clinic. I wish I’d researched more. Now I have to tell people I’m devastated with how my body is. I looked better with the fat. I should have known by the deal that it was too good to be true.”, concludes Chantelle Woolston.
A Warning to Others
Woolston’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about medical tourism for cosmetic procedures. While lower costs abroad can be tempting, her story highlights potential risks including different standards of care, limited follow-up options, and complications that may be difficult to address after returning home. She now feels compelled to share her experience to warn others about the potential pitfalls of seeking cosmetic surgery overseas without extensive research.
The growing popularity of cosmetic tourism has been fueled by significant price differences between countries and the promotion of these services on social media platforms. Woolston’s case underscores the importance of thoroughly vetting facilities, reading both positive and negative reviews, consulting with previous patients, and trusting one’s instincts before committing to major surgical procedures in foreign countries. Her primary advice to others considering similar paths is to conduct deeper research than she did and to heed warning signs.
