Advertisement

'Like torture': Mum claims 'botched' tummy tuck almost killed her

A 53-year-old mum claims a botched tummy tuck surgery nearly killed her after she was left with rotting flesh.

Beatrix Searles, from the US state of Montana, underwent liposuction in Colombia in October in a bid to lose weight and forked out an initial AU$6000 for the surgery.

Ms Searles said she chose to undergo surgery in Colombia as it specialised in what she was after at “reasonable prices”.

She weighed more than 82kg and “wanted a little confidence boost”.

The mum decided she needed liposuction on her leg, stomach and back after watching a number of YouTube videos for her chosen surgeon.

Beatrix Searles, 53, claims she underwent a tummy tuck surgery in Colombia which left her with severe pain and rotting flesh.
Beatrix Searles, 53, underwent a tummy tuck in Colombia but said it left her in pain with rotting flesh. Source: Caters

But just days after her operation, Ms Searles said the flesh around her wound began rotting and her skin turned black.

She claims the surgeon “literally cut the fat off” her stomach and stitched her back up.

“I was on so much pain medication that I couldn’t feel anything – I just knew something was really badly wrong,” Ms Searles said.

"I'm still searching for answers over what went wrong and have begged for explanations – my skin completely died and I've been left in constant pain.

"The surgeon in Colombia originally tried to fix what he'd done by using the skin from my back, and pulling it forward but it went stiff and sore, and I needed hospital treatment to try and rectify that.

“I had to stay in Colombia to get this done as it needed fixing urgently.”

Ms Searles has since undergone seven surgeries, which included skin grafts and drainage, averaging surgery to once every five days since the initial op.

These surgeries have been attempts to rectify her “botched” surgery abroad.

She has been left severely scarred across her stomach as the stitches continued to burst open.

Pictured is Beatrix Searles's stomach after she underwent her tummy tuck in Colombia.
Ms Searles's stomach following her surgery. Source: Caters

"To have eight surgeries, with constant needles, with me even spending my birthday in hospital – I've been so scared and have spent most of my recovery crying all of the time,” Ms Searles said.

"This has destroyed my confidence – it's been like torture.”

Doctors allegedly stated Ms Searles's issues have risen through cross-contamination by the surgeon and failure to follow medical hygiene procedure.

She claims no one can find the surgeon who performed the surgery, but he has 34 cases being held against him.

Beatrix Searles is seen wearing sunglasses and smiling. She said the surgery has ruined her life.
Ms Searles said she underwent the surgery to increase her confidence but claims it's ruined her life. Source: Caters

The 53-year-old also claims the after-care nurses “used the same gloves for things like using their phone”.

"I wasn't provided with anything that I'd seen on the videos, like plastic wrapping over the surgery or a body suit to protect it,” Ms Searles said.

"I can't look like this forever – I feel like I can't go out into public or wear a bikini or go to the beach.

"It's destroyed my life and I hope those responsible get brought to justice."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.