A mother from Slough, Berkshire, underwent a harrowing experience after travelling to Turkey for a £4,500 tummy tuck procedure. Carrie, 36, initially went to Turkey to address her post-baby ‘pouch’ but soon found herself in a life-threatening situation. Just hours after the operation, Carrie’s skin began to stretch and turn black, leading doctors to identify the onset of a flesh-eating disease and organ failure.
Rushed back into surgery in Turkey while conscious, Carrie was later flown back to the UK for further treatment. Upon arrival, she underwent five life-saving operations in 12 days and spent a week in intensive care. Despite the challenges she faced, Carrie is now bravely sharing her story to caution others against seeking cosmetic surgery abroad.
Carrie’s ordeal began when what was supposed to be a three-hour surgery in Istanbul extended to six hours due to complications. Waking up with excruciating pain and a feeling of her body splitting in two, she was informed of developing necrotising fasciitis, a rare and serious infection. Despite initial reassurances, Carrie later collapsed back in the UK, leading to a diagnosis of sepsis and further organ failure.
Over the following days, Carrie underwent multiple surgeries to remove dead tissue and combat the spread of infection. Eventually, she had to have half of her stomach removed, leaving her physically and emotionally scarred. Despite the physical toll, Carrie remains grateful for her survival and aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with medical tourism.
Reflecting on her experience, Carrie expressed regret over her decision to undergo surgery in Turkey and advised others to seek such procedures closer to home. Despite extensive research and positive reviews, Carrie encountered red flags during her treatment, including being operated on in a public hospital rather than a private clinic. She emphasised the importance of thorough consideration and caution when opting for cosmetic surgery.
Carrie’s story serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved in seeking medical procedures abroad, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making and prioritising safety and quality in healthcare choices.