Kayleigh Lewis, 30, from Southampton, decided to book a £7,300 “mummy makeover” in Turkey after struggling with her body following the birth of two sons. The procedure promised a complete transformation, combining a Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast implants in seven hours.
She flew to Istanbul with a friend for support, confident in the hospital’s reputation and in the surgeon’s positive reviews. Initially, everything seemed set for a smooth operation.
However, the procedure quickly turned into a medical nightmare. Kayleigh woke up in severe pain and could not move. Despite being given a note claiming she was fit to fly, she developed sepsis upon returning to the UK. Abscesses caused by the BBL triggered the infection, requiring emergency surgery to remove the infected material.
Her recovery was long and challenging. Kayleigh spent two months in Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, underwent three blood transfusions, and had to relearn how to walk. Even more than a year later, Kayleigh Lewis continues to experience back and leg pain and relies on daily nerve medication.
Erdem Hospital defended its procedures, stating that all pre-and post-operative checks were completed and that no infection was detected during her stay. The hospital also claimed she was medically fit to travel and denied any negligence. Despite this, Kayleigh’s experience shows the serious risks that can come with cosmetic surgery abroad.
Her story highlights the importance of research, realistic expectations, and careful planning before undergoing surgery overseas. Cosmetic procedures carry risks, including life-threatening complications like sepsis, long recovery periods, and ongoing pain.
