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'I travelled to Turkey for a mummy makeover but came back with a deadly infection'

WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGES: Anntina Forster, 42, flew to Turkey for a 'mummy makeover' but was left in agonising pain and with a potentially-deadly bacterial infection after the procedure

[Anntina says she was 'butchered' during a 'mummy makeover' -]

Anntina says she was 'butchered' during a 'mummy makeover' -(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

A woman who jetted off to Turkey for a "mummy makeover" claims she was "butchered" by cosmetic surgeons who left her battling a potentially fatal bacterial infection.

Anntina Forster travelled to the scenic resort of Antalya, in southern Turkey, last month for a tummy tuck, breast lift and liposuction commonly referred to as a "mummy makeover".

The 42-year-old had started a course of weight-loss injections in 2023, successfully shedding four dress sizes dropping from 17.5 stone to 13 stone. But the dramatic weight loss left her with unwanted loose skin, prompting her to research cosmetic surgery clinics last year in a bid to address the issue.

After settling on a clinic, Anntina booked the 6,700 procedure and jetted off to Turkey with her 43-year-old partner, Daniel Brown.

But immediately after the six-hour operation, Anntina awoke "in excruciating pain" and noticed that the wound on her abdomen was oozing fluid.ix-hour operation, Anntina awoke "in excruciating pain" and spotted that the wound on her abdomen was oozing fluid.

['I travelled to Turkey for a mummy makeover but was left with a deadly infection']

She had undergone surgery to reduce surplus skin(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

Despite being told her recovery was "normal", Anntinas condition deteriorated, and she was blue-lighted to hospital after returning to the UK.

Doctors told the mum she had developed the bacterial infection E. coli and rushed her into emergency surgery to clean her wounds.

When she raised concerns with the clinic, they responded that her complaint was "quite rude" and said they were so "deeply upset" they would refuse to help her further. Staff also warned her that she was "not permitted" to post any critical comments online.

['I travelled to Turkey for a mummy makeover but was left with a deadly infection']

She says she suffered 'degrading' treatment in front of her partner(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

Following a 10-day hospital stay, Anntina was discharged but is now warning others to exercise extreme caution when considering surgery abroad after her brush with death.

Anntina, who runs an aesthetics business in Birmingham, West Midlands, explained: Id always been up and down with my weight. Id done weight-loss jabs, which were a success I lost four and a half stone, so had a lot of loose, heavy skin.

I still couldnt wear the clothes I wanted to, which kind of drove me into getting the excess skin removed. Working in the aesthetics industry, a lot of it is about how you look, and I was really aware of that. I was going to the gym and still couldnt get into the clothes I wanted.

Id been struggling with my weight for a long time. My son is 18 and has gone to live in Thailand, so I just felt like this was the right time for me.

['I travelled to Turkey for a mummy makeover but was left with a deadly infection']

The incisions began to weep(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

After researching clinics online, Anntina travelled to Turkey for the procedure, where she was taken into surgery just hours after landing.

She recalled: We arrived at 3am and I went straight into having a chest X-ray and blood tests done.

They then started marking my body for surgery hours later. I was stood there completely naked in front of my partner and three other people. He didnt really ask me what I wanted he just said to my partner, Dont worry, Ill perform a miracle.

['I travelled to Turkey for a mummy makeover but was left with a deadly infection']

Anntina tried to contact the clinic but met with a harsh response(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

It was degrading.

Once the anaesthetic had worn off, Anntina said, complications began to emerge: I woke up in excruciating pain screaming, crying, delirious. I felt like I couldnt breathe. I thought I was going through what people normally go through, but looking back it was the start of the infection.

I was feeling unwell and losing a lot of fluid from my wounds. They kept saying it was normal. I knew there was something not right.

After flying home a week later, Anntinas condition worsened, and she suffered from dizziness, fever and leaking wounds.

['I travelled to Turkey for a mummy makeover but was left with a deadly infection']

The clinic refused to accept Anntina's complaints(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

Despite the clinics reassurances, she was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham several days later with a severe infection.

I got there and they said I was nearly in septic shock my infection was so bad, she said. The nurse told me that if it was travelling through my blood, there was nothing they could do. I was sat there crying, thinking I was never going to see my son again.

The doctors told me I had contracted E. coli, which had developed from my stomach due to the surgery in Turkey. Bacteria had got in during the operation. I didnt know if I would leave that room. They said if Id stayed at home one more night, I wouldnt be here. They literally saved my life.

['I travelled to Turkey for a mummy makeover but was left with a deadly infection']

Anntina's life was saved by NHS doctors(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

Anntina underwent surgery to clean her infected wound, followed by a blood transfusion the next day. When she contacted the clinic to inform them of her condition, she was rebuked for her quite rude tone and warned against posting any negative comments online.

The clinics response read: Unless there is an official medical report confirming a surgical error, you are not permitted to post statements on social media claiming the surgery was wrong or a mistake.

The tone of your messages has been quite rude, and it upsets us deeply, as it prevents us from helping you further.

[Anntina says she was 'butchered' during a 'mummy makeover' -]

Anntina's surplus skin was removed in Turkey(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

Anntina said: I told them I was in hospital seriously ill. They just take your money and dont care. I was disgusted by their reaction.

I regret ever getting this surgery. I cant enjoy the way I look it holds such trauma and negativity.

I feel lucky to be alive. If I could just say to one person, dont do it its not worth it. Either steer clear or make sure you get proper aftercare. I feel like I was butchered.

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