Chantelle Woolston, a 46-year-old woman from Southampton, Hampshire in the UK, made a decision that she now deeply regrets. After losing 91 pounds, she was left with excess skin and decided to undergo a tummy tuck and a breast revision to address the issue. She found a surgery in Izmir, Turkey, that offered these procedures along with a back lift at a seemingly affordable price of $9,200.
In February 2025, Chantelle flew out to Turkey with high hopes and excitement for the transformation she was about to undergo. However, once she woke up from the surgery, she knew immediately that something was not right. Two months post-surgery, she is now expressing her disappointment and dissatisfaction with the results.
Chantelle shared that she is unable to stretch properly for fear of causing damage to her body. She described her stomach as feeling as “hard as a block” and mentioned that she has gathered skin that makes her feel uncomfortable. Despite her initial anticipation to see positive changes, she now believes that she looked better before the surgery.
This experience was not Chantelle’s first time undergoing cosmetic procedures in Turkey. Back in September 2020, she traveled to Istanbul for a gastric sleeve surgery that helped her shed a significant amount of weight. While she was happy with the results of the weight loss, she still struggled with the excess skin left behind.
Feeling determined to address this issue, Chantelle decided to explore the option of surgery abroad once again. After researching different clinics and reading positive reviews on a Facebook group, she felt encouraged to proceed with the surgery in Izmir. Despite noticing some negative comments after making a deposit, she went through with the procedure with her husband by her side.
However, upon waking up from the surgery, Chantelle immediately sensed that something was amiss. The rushed atmosphere and the pressure to sign paperwork quickly added to her unease. Now, two months later, she is facing challenges with her healing process and is dissatisfied with the outcome.
Chantelle expressed frustration with the clinic’s response to her concerns, as they advised her to “trust the process” and focus on exercise. She described her current state as feeling hollow in places and highlighted issues with scarring and skin irregularities that she did not anticipate.
Despite being told that healing could take several months, Chantelle is skeptical about the potential for improvement in her situation. She now hopes to warn others about her negative experience and urges them to trust their instincts when considering cosmetic surgery.
The clinic responded to Chantelle’s complaints by explaining the common challenges in the early stages of recovery and emphasizing the importance of following post-operative care instructions. They offered to review her case in detail and provide personalized support to address her dissatisfaction.
In conclusion, Chantelle’s journey to achieve her desired body image has taken a disappointing turn, leaving her with regrets and physical discomfort. Her experience serves as a cautionary tale for those considering cosmetic procedures abroad, highlighting the importance of thorough research and realistic expectations in such endeavors.
