Chantelle Woolston, a 46-year-old woman from Southampton, Hampshire, recently reflected on her “biggest regret” following a $9,200 mommy makeover in Turkey. After successfully losing 91 pounds through gastric sleeve surgery in 2020, Chantelle was motivated to improve her appearance further by addressing the excess skin left over. She opted for a tummy tuck and breast revision, drawn by positive reviews and seemingly flawless outcomes shared in online forums. Unfortunately, her experience took a downturn during the actual procedure, leaving her feeling disappointed and regretful.
After arriving in Izmir, Turkey, in February 2025 for the surgery, she felt rushed during the signing of the paperwork and sensed urgency from the clinic staff. This discomfort escalated after she woke up from the procedure feeling extremely unwell and immediately believing she had made a mistake. The excitement she had felt pre-surgery dissipated quickly, replaced by fear and physical discomfort. Just weeks later, she found herself struggling with unexpected side effects, including tightness and uneven skin on her abdomen, leading her to question her decision.
Two months after the surgery, Chantelle experienced significant issues with her recovery. She described her stomach as “hard as a block,” and expressed concerns about her ability to perform basic tasks due to discomfort. Additionally, she faced unsightly scarring and issues with her breasts that were not part of her expectations. Despite having been told that the healing process could take three to six months, she struggled to see any improvement or reassurance in her situation, feeling disheartened about the aesthetic results compared to her previous body.
Having reached out to the clinic for help, Chantelle was met with responses indicating that swelling and unevenness were typical in the initial recovery phase but that these issues would improve over time. However, she felt patronized by the notion of “trusting the process” and was left with lingering dissatisfaction about her physical state. This experience contrasted sharply with her earlier surgery, where she had been thrilled with the results, leading her to wish she had conducted more thorough research regarding her subsequent surgery.
Chantelle has since been vocal about her discontent, advising others to be cautious when considering similar procedures abroad. She emphasized the importance of trusting one’s intuition and thoroughly investigating clinics and reviews before making significant decisions about body modification. Her story serves as a cautionary tale that underscores the potential pitfalls of cosmetic surgery, especially when pursued in foreign countries under seemingly attractive financial incentives.
The clinic, in response to her criticisms, acknowledged that while they strive to provide comprehensive pre-operative information, the urgency on surgery day can be overwhelming. They reassured future patients about the natural challenges of recovery, encouraging open communication to address concerns. Despite their assurance, Chantelle remains determined to share her experience to prevent others from facing similar regrets, highlighting the profound emotional impact such decisions can have on individuals seeking body transformation.
