WARNING: This story contains graphic images of a wound some people may find distressing
05:00, 19 Sep 2025Updated 07:42, 19 Sep 2025
Soreena O’Malley from Hull had a tummy tuck procedure in Turkey(Image: Supplied)
A woman from Hull wants to raise awareness of the risks of plastic surgery abroad after being left “shaking with pain”. Soreena O’Malley said she can’t leave bed and has serious health issues three months after a tummy tuck and 360 liposuction in Turkey.
When Soreena saw the Facebook advert that persuaded her to go ahead with the procedure, she thought the hospital looked safe and professional. But back home in Hull, she said that NHS surgeons informed her the procedure in Turkey had been done improperly and her wounds could not get adequate circulation.
Since her return, she has needed emergency treatment through the NHS, including a skin graft from her leg, which sadly did not work. She now has a gaping wound on her stomach and needs help with basic tasks such as getting dressed.
At the minute, Soreena said she cannot physically get out of bed and she is ‘crying every single day.’ She continued: “It is not very nice having to be bed-bound three months after a surgery that I have paid for because I was so self-conscious about my body.
“I wouldn’t wear bikinis on holiday. It really did take me a long time to save this money because it was something I have wanted since having my child.”
Following the surgery abroad, she said the infection was “just eating my skin”. She added: “I have no tummy. My whole tummy is gone and it could take well up to two years to heal. It is a massive hole.”
Soreena is now concerned for other women who may be considering going abroad to receive cosmetic surgery. She said: “With it being a hospital, I really thought I would get the best care. It was the total opposite, to be honest.”
Speaking about the run up to the surgery, Soreena explained that she felt alarmed when initially arriving at the hospital at 3am. She claims she was told she would not have a bed for the night unless she paid for the surgery upfront.
The wound on Soreena’s stomach after the incision site became infected(Image: Supplied)
Soreena also claims that when it came to being asked to sign the consent forms, everything was in Turkish. Soreena said she was told there was no translation available.
Hull Daily Mail contacted NHS England for comment but had not received a response at the time of publishing. However, the NHS publishes advice for anyone considering having plastic surgery abroad.
It urges caution of websites selling cosmetic surgery as part of a package. It is also recommended that you have a consultation with the surgeon, do not pay for a hospital you have not seen and do not pay to see a surgeon you have not met.
Soreena’s partner has set up a gofundme page in a bid to raise money for corrective surgery. The target is £5,000.