A woman who traveled to Lithuania for cosmetic surgery to enhance her appearance and boost her self-esteem is now facing unexpected consequences. Angela Paterson, 48, underwent a facelift, neck lift, and upper blepharoplasty in Kaunas, spending over £8,000 on the procedures. However, she claims that the surgery resulted in hearing loss, a misaligned mouth, and unsightly scars.
Despite an extended recovery period of 14 months, Angela still struggles with issues such as tight stitches causing a “bunched-up eye” and persistent hearing loss in one ear. Dissatisfied with the outcome, she is now planning to undergo corrective surgery in Turkey to address the complications, estimating costs to exceed £7,000.
Angela, a tattoo artist from Kilmarnock, Scotland, expressed her disappointment and mental distress over the botched procedure, stating that her confidence has significantly declined. She emphasized her initial intent to feel more youthful and self-assured but instead has been left grappling with physical and psychological challenges post-surgery.
In September 2024, Angela chose the Nordesthetics Clinic in Kaunas based on positive reviews and her previous successful experiences with cosmetic surgery in Turkey. Despite feeling optimistic before the procedure, she soon noticed issues with her mouth and hearing post-surgery, prompting her to voice concerns to the clinic, which she claims were disregarded.
Months after the operation, Angela continued to experience complications such as scarring, uneven skin texture, and visible marks on her neck. Dissatisfied with the clinic’s response, she sought opinions from surgeons in the UK and Turkey, who advised against revision surgery due to insufficient skin availability. Instead, they recommended alternative treatments costing around £3,000.
After lodging a complaint with the Lithuanian clinic and facing financial constraints, Angela has struggled to find legal representation in the UK due to the international nature of the surgery. Despite the challenges, she remains determined to address the aftermath of the surgery and is set to undergo further procedures in Turkey to correct the lingering issues.
A spokesperson for Nordesthetics emphasized that all patients are informed of potential risks before surgery, including post-operative scarring, and that the clinic operates in compliance with medical standards. They maintain that Angela was aware of the risks involved and was offered scar revision surgery as part of her treatment plan.
As Angela prepares for additional corrective procedures abroad, she reflects on her journey and the challenges she has faced, underscoring the complexities and implications of seeking medical treatment overseas.