Stacey Bates’ story is a powerful example of the risks of travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery - and the life-changing impact of receiving expert care from trusted UK surgeons.

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From a botched Breast Enlargement in Turkey to expert corrective surgery at Pall Mall
After a botched Breast Enlargement in Turkey in January 2024, Stacey, aged 29, from Bedale, was left with severe complications, including misshapen breasts and uneven nipples. Her experience became a warning to others about the dangers of medical tourism, and she became a key voice in our Cosmetic Crusaders campaign.
In February 2025, Stacey underwent an Implant Removal and Replacement with an Uplift at Pall Mall to correct the damage caused by her previous surgery. Now, she’s sharing her journey to raise awareness about the importance of choosing safe, high-quality cosmetic surgery providers.
The initial procedure: A ‘cheap’ Breast Enlargement abroad
Like many people considering cosmetic surgery, Stacey was drawn to the idea of getting her Breast Enlargement done in Turkey due to the significantly lower costs compared to UK clinics. She expected a straightforward procedure but soon realised the reality was far from what she had hoped.
Instead of achieving her desired look, Stacey was left with:
Uneven, misshapen breasts that didn’t match her expectations
Wonky, misplaced nipples that were noticeably different in position
Significant pain and discomfort, making her regret her decision almost immediately
Her experience with the Turkish clinic was distressing, and when she raised concerns about the results, she felt dismissed. With no proper aftercare, she was left feeling helpless about how to fix the damage.
Joining Pall Mall’s Cosmetic Crusaders campaign
Determined to share her experience and warn others about the risks of having cosmetic surgery abroad, Stacey took part in our Cosmetic Crusaders campaign. She joined a group of individuals who had suffered from botched procedures overseas and were now speaking out about the importance of safety, expertise, and proper aftercare when undergoing cosmetic surgery.
Her story resonated with many, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of poorly performed surgeries abroad. Through the campaign, Stacey not only raised awareness but also discovered the opportunity to correct her results with expert UK-based surgeons at Pall Mall.
The corrective procedure: Implant removal, replacement, and uplift
After her experience abroad, Stacey knew that this time, she needed to choose a clinic she could trust. One of the biggest factors in her decision was knowing she could meet her surgeon face-to-face before committing to anything.
At Pall Mall, she had as many free, no-obligation consultations as she needed to feel confident about her next steps. She met with her surgeon in person, discussed her concerns, and had the opportunity to ask every question she had about the procedure and recovery.
"This time, I wanted to make sure I was in safe hands. Being able to meet my surgeon face-to-face, have multiple consultations, and know the clinic was close by if I ever needed to see them made all the difference. I finally felt like I had the right support and care."
Unlike her experience abroad, Stacey had the reassurance that if she needed any follow-up care, her surgeon and clinic were within easy reach - not a flight away.
Restoring self-image and peace of mind
Following her corrective surgery, Stacey was finally able to achieve the results she had originally hoped for. Her breasts were symmetrical, her nipples were correctly positioned, and she felt comfortable and self-esteem in her own body again.
Reflecting on her experience, Stacey shared:
"I wish I had done my research properly the first time. The care I received at Pall Mall was completely different - everything was explained, I was supported every step of the way, and the results are exactly what I wanted. I just hope my story helps others think twice before going abroad for cheap surgery."
The importance of choosing the right cosmetic surgery provider
Stacey’s journey highlights the dangers of cut-price cosmetic surgery abroad and the life-changing benefits of choosing experienced, UK-based surgeons. At Pall Mall, we are committed to patient safety, expert care, and delivering high-quality results - with full aftercare and support to ensure the best possible outcomes.
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, make sure you choose a provider you can trust. Book a free, no obligation consultation with our expert team to discuss your options and ensure your surgery is done safely, professionally, and with the highest standards of care.
Stacey's before and after



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