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Woman's lung punctured during cosmetic surgery

A Sydney woman who suffered a punctured lung during a breast enlargement procedure at The Cosmetic Institute in Bondi has spoken about her surgery complication.

Krystle Morgan who was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital where she was treated for a collapsed lung.

It is the second time this year a at The Cosmetic Institute patient has been rushed to hospital during breast surgery. 7 News
It is the second time this year a at The Cosmetic Institute patient has been rushed to hospital during breast surgery. 7 News

The 33-year-old became short of breath during an invasive procedure, but she was initially told this was "normal".


She wants to warn people on the risks of the surgery and using only local anaesthetics.

"I couldn't breathe and I was told it is normal to be short of breath," she told Sydney Morning Herald.

"This sensation continued to the point where they told me they were calling an ambulance for a routine check and that sometimes it's normal for tall thin girls to have lungs collapse for no given reason."

Ms Morgan said when she arrived at the hospital she was given X-rays and was told she had a large hole in her right lung.

An advertisement from The Cosmetic Institute.
An advertisement from The Cosmetic Institute.

The needle had gone completely through her lung and deflated it.

Although the surgeon visited her with flowers, the Barrack Heights woman said The Cosmetic Institute has not yet apologised. She is also fearful for other women undergoing the procedure.

The Cosmetic Institute is in the spotlight for a number surgical mishaps and botched procedures but is unable to discuss individual cases.

The surgery chain told Fairfax Media that "a punctured lung, or pneumothorax is rare but a recognised complication of breast augmentation".

The Cosmetic Institute are under investigation

The Cosmetic Institute claim to have a low complication rate, however they are currently being investigated over two patients whose hearts stopped during surgery.

The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission is investigating both incidents for alleged inappropriate use of anaesthetics.

Six women have contacted 7 News, claiming they've been left deformed and depressed after breast implant surgery at the clinic.

Another victim shares a photo their botched breast implants. Source: 7News
Another victim shares a photo their botched breast implants. Source: 7News

The six alleged victims are from four different states, having met online in a chatroom devoted to The Cosmetic Institute complaints and bad outcomes. It has more than 30 members.

Sarah Jaremenko, one alleged victim, told 7 News: "I'm nervous and I'm disgusted at how I've left and I have to live a normal life hiding it all with nothing being done".

Another alleged victim, who asked not to be identified, told 7 News: "It looks disgusting and it makes me feel like I've got to constantly cover myself up."

A victim has shared a photo of what she calls her 'deformed breasts'. Source: 7News
A victim has shared a photo of what she calls her 'deformed breasts'. Source: 7News

"I don't want my husband looking at my breasts," she said.

Ms Jaremenko, 20, travelled from Victoria to The Cosmetic Institute, which boasts it performs more breast augmentations than any other clinic - 6,000 a year - offering finance and promising great results.

"Being botched and an implant basically that's sitting in my armpit, I'm mortified," Ms Jaremenko said.

Victim Sarah Jaremenko. Source: 7News
Victim Sarah Jaremenko. Source: 7News

They're now offering to do her surgery for $1000. But, Ms Jaremenko claims, the company threatened to sue her for extortion if she spoke to Seven News.

In a statement sent to 7 News, The Cosmetic Institute denied any wrongdoing, claiming to have a surgery revision rate of 0.02 per cent.

They also said the women interviewed are part of a Facebook page trying to use the media to get free or cheap cosmetic work. They admit no wrong-doing.

Morning news break - September 30