Lisa Hart, 45, from Ayrshire, south of Glasgow, underwent a breast reduction and reconstruction surgery costing £15,500, hoping to restore her confidence after five children. Dissatisfied with her 36E chest and feeling that “everyone was staring,” Lisa scheduled the procedure at a Glasgow clinic in May 2025.
However, her dream quickly turned into a distressing reality. Just a week after the four-hour operation, Lisa noticed “green fluid” oozing from her right breast dressing—a sign her concerns were initially dismissed by the clinic as normal. Over the following weeks, the wound worsened, developing an opening below her nipple, and she began to experience fever-like symptoms.
Despite repeated attempts to raise concerns, Lisa felt ignored until she was admitted to Ayr University Hospital in June 2025. There, doctors diagnosed her with sepsis, a life-threatening infection, and decided to remove the infected implant. Lisa spent 10 days in hospital, but faced permanent consequences: her breasts became noticeably asymmetrical, with her right breast now a B-cup and her left a C-cup.
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This physical change has taken a deep toll on her mental health. Lisa struggles with anxiety and low confidence, rarely leaving home except for medical appointments or essential shopping. The stress has even contributed to angina, a heart condition.
Seeking corrective surgery is complicated because no other clinic will treat her challenging case, forcing Lisa to consider returning to the original clinic responsible for her initial procedure—one she now deeply regrets.
Lisa hopes her painful experience serves as a warning to others considering cosmetic surgery. She emphasizes the importance of loving oneself and urges clinics to be held accountable for patient safety and care.
Reflecting on her journey, Lisa says: “I wanted to feel womanly again. Now, I just look at my before photos and cry. I want others to be careful and understand the risks before going under the knife. Having the perfect body isn’t important—everyone is perfect as they are.”
The clinic involved declined to comment on the specifics but assured that patient safety, transparency, and clinical governance are pillars of their service. They also advise anyone experiencing unexpected symptoms after surgery to seek immediate medical attention.
Lisa’s ordeal highlights critical issues around cosmetic surgery risks, clinic accountability, and the emotional impact on patients facing complications.