My rotting nipples went black and a chunk of one fell off after Turkey boob op – don't make my mistake

The Sun

04-07-2025

WITH her self-esteem at rock bottom, mum-of-four Chloe Roiser decided there was only one way to take back control of her body - a breast op.
But the 31-year-old's journey to regain her confidence turned into a living nightmare, after surgery abroad left her with rotting nipples and in "indescribable" pain.
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Chloe, from Wymondham, Norfolk found her self-worth at an all-time low following years of being in an abusive relationship at a young age.
While she now lives with a loving partner and four children, in 2014 she sadly lost her son, who was only 13 days old, to Group B strep, and was launched into the throes of grief - one of the hardest parts of her life.
Before her surgery, Chloe was an ample 34F cup size.
But after pregnancy and breastfeeding, she found that her breasts had sagged and changed shape.
She tells Sun Health: "I felt deeply uncomfortable in my own body.
"Being in an abusive relationship at a young age took a huge toll on my self-worth.
"The surgery felt like a way to rebuild myself."
Turkey to access what seemed like a well-reviewed and affordable procedure.
But she wasn't prepared for what followed.
She explains: "In the UK, it would have been far more expensive.
I was left with wonky nipples after 'botched' Turkey boob job - the doctor totally freaked me out just before I went to sleep
"The procedure cost me £3,500. I found the clinic, HappyYouHealth, through Instagram, where they posted lots of 'before and after' results.
"It looked professional and reassuring."
Chloe flew out in April of this year for the surgery, and while she was nervous, she was also hopeful.
She decided to travel alone for the first trip.
Chloe recalls: "The doctors seemed friendly and confident. The surgery was a breast uplift with implants.
"It lasted a few hours and I was changed from a 34F to a 34D - although that wasn't the outcome I expected.
"I didn't feel I was properly consulted about sizing or options.
"But I was told it had gone well and was discharged quickly with minimal aftercare advice."
'I knew something was badly wrong'
Chloe headed back to the UK to recover, but within a couple of weeks, she noticed the skin around her nipples was turning black - a sign of necrosis when body tissue dies from lack of blood flow.
Chloe explains: "The area became infected, painful, and began to break down.
"I messaged the clinic and sent photos, but felt I wasn't being taken seriously.
"They said it looked fine and to just keep using antibiotic cream.
"But I knew something was badly wrong."
She contacted the NHS for help, but they were limited in what they could do, as it was a private overseas procedure.
Necrosis is considered a potential complication of breast surgery, though the overall risk is relatively low.
Chloe had no choice but to return to Turkey.
She says: "I flew back on June 3, less than six weeks after the first surgery, this time with my partner and daughter who has autism, as she didn't want to leave my side.
"I needed support, and I was also scared to go alone after what had already gone wrong.
"I went back to the same clinic and they cleaned the wound under local anaesthetic, removed dead tissue, gave me antibiotics, and restitched the area.
"But the damage was already done - I lost most of my nipple.
"It was very serious. If left untreated, it could have spread.
"I caught it just in time, but the result is permanent damage.
"It was a real battle, physically and emotionally.
"I cried when I spoke to my children on the phone, and I carried an unbearable amount of guilt being away from them."
'Deeply traumatised'
Chloe returned to the UK after 10 days.
While she's undergone basic treatment to manage the infection, she'll likely need further corrective surgery in the UK due to the loss of part of her nipple, the scarring, and the damage from the necrosis.
She says: "While I wasn't charged directly for the second procedure, I paid over £3,000 for flights, accommodation and medication.
"The corrective surgery in the UK will come at even more of a cost to me.
"The infection has been treated and the wound is now healing, but the physical and emotional damage is far from over.
"I'm relieved to be home, but I've been left deeply traumatised by everything that's happened."
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Chloe adds: "I know I'm not the only one who has gone through something like this.
"Sharing my story might just help someone else think twice or ask more questions before making a decision like this - and with any luck, it might also get me the support I so desperately need right now."
"I absolutely regret going abroad for treatment. I wish I'd saved and had the surgery in the UK, even if it meant waiting longer.
"No discount is worth this kind of trauma."
Chloe's message to others is not to risk your health to save money.
"Research thoroughly and don't just rely on Instagram photos," she says.
"If I could go back, I'd have waited and had it done in the UK.
"No amount of money saved is worth risking your life or your children's well-being. I have huge regrets."
Haydar Dogruoz, general manager at HappyYou Health, tells Sun Health: "Following her recent breast surgery, she experienced a postoperative complication known as tissue necrosis.
"As with any surgical procedure, such complications, although rare, can occur and require close medical attention.
"We would like to emphasise that Ms. Roiser has been under our continuous care. The affected area has been carefully treated — including debridement of the necrotic tissue, followed by a new round of suturing and regular wound care.
"We are committed to our patients' safety and well-being and are doing everything necessary to support Ms Roiser's recovery."
Going abroad for medical treatment
IF you're thinking about having medical treatment in another country, it's important to understand how it works and the risks involved.
Going for medical treatment abroad is not easy and a GP or NHS England can only do so much to help you.
You'll have to make the arrangements yourself, including finding a healthcare provider and making all the travel arrangements.
This means it's important to do some research and gather enough information to make an informed choice.
You should consider:
any language barriers
whether you know enough about the people who'll treat you and the facilities available
communication between medical staff abroad and in the UK, such as exchanging medical records and arranging aftercare back home
how to make a complaint if things go wrong – the NHS is not liable for negligence or failure of treatment
You'll need to be aware of how your aftercare will be provided when you return home and understand the conditions under which you'll be treated abroad.
You should also ensure you have adequate insurance. Most travel insurance policies will not cover you for planned treatment abroad, so you may need specialist cover.
Follow the treatment abroad checklist from the NHS:
Think about your reasons for going abroad: Make sure your decision is based on the quality of the medical care you would like to receive and not on how appealing the destination seems for a holiday.
Know the warning signs: Think carefully before booking any treatment abroad if there is a hard sell, lack of information, pressure to make a quick decision, no discussion of possible complications, and no mention of aftercare.
Get a second opinion: A doctor can give you a valuable second opinion as well as advice about treatment options and whether it's necessary.
Do your research: Have you checked the qualifications of the medical team treating you? Have you been able to ask them questions about your treatment? Are you satisfied with the facilities and standards at the clinic or hospital where you'll be treated?
Check if you can get funding for treatment abroad: Before considering paying for treatment abroad yourself, find out if you're eligible to receive funding for planned treatment in Europe.
Aftercare and possible side effects or complications: Make sure you understand the possible complications and side effects that could arise from your treatment.
Do the maths: If your main reason for going abroad is to save money, make sure you've factored in fluctuating exchange rates, the possibility of extending your stay if necessary and the cost of possible return trips.
Check you're sufficiently insured: Before travelling abroad for treatment make sure you have appropriate travel insurance and tell your insurer about your plans to have treatment abroad.
Source: NHS