‘Botched facelift made my face like a balloon – I had to postpone my wedding’

A woman from Essex, Katie Lowden, had to delay her wedding due to a botched facelift that left her face swollen like a balloon. The 34-year-old mum decided to undergo a facelift using dermal fillers and botox in July 2022 to boost her confidence. After developing granulomas on her face post-procedure, she suspected the clinic used unsuitable filler but received no response from them. Despite attempts to dissolve the filler, Katie’s condition worsened, causing regular swelling and postponing her wedding plans. In December 2022, a lump on her neck was discovered, initially feared to be cancer but confirmed as migrated filler after tests.

Living in Braintree with her fiance Aaron and four children, Katie expressed her desire to return to her pre-procedure appearance, regretting her decision for the facelift. The procedure was meant to address her confidence issues stemming from past bullying experiences. She noted immediate complications with granulomas forming and swelling, leading to unbearable pain. Despite clinic attempts to rectify the situation, Katie’s face continued to swell like a balloon, requiring medical assistance.

After enduring months of distress and emotional strain, Katie decided to cancel her wedding scheduled for April 2025 to avoid disappointment if her appearance remained affected. Taking antidepressants to cope, Katie sought corrective treatments at London’s Revere Clinic under Dr Sach Mohan’s care. Since August 2024, she has undergone procedures to dissolve the filler and repair tissue damage. Katie remains hopeful of returning to her pre-facelift appearance and is considering re-planning her wedding once her face has recovered.

Facing uncertainties about the total cost of corrective procedures, Katie expressed gratitude towards Dr Mohan for his expertise and understanding. With corrective treatments ongoing, she aims to regain confidence and move past the traumatic experience. Despite the setbacks, Katie remains optimistic about the future and looks forward to potentially resuming wedding preparations once her appearance is restored.