Body lift experience with complications
I decided to describe my experience in detail with a 360-degree body lift combined with liposuction and a breast lift performed by Dr. Mustafa Keleş, as my recovery differed from that of most patients. I want to emphasize from the outset: I am very satisfied with the quality of the surgical work, the organization of the treatment, and the highly professional way the team handled an unexpected situation. Nevertheless, anyone considering such surgery should understand that it always carries certain risks—even if they are extremely rare. In my case, I happened to be that exception.
The surgery was performed on a Friday and lasted approximately nine hours. It was a combined procedure—a circumferential body lift and a breast lift. After waking up, pain levels were minimal, and late that night I was already able to walk down the corridor on my own. The following morning I felt stable; the doctor and medical team conducted their rounds, and there were no signs of complications.
Closer to midday, my condition began to change. The first signs of circulatory problems appeared, and I had to lie down. Every half hour my condition worsened: whenever I tried to sit up, I experienced a sudden loss of strength and intense sweating. I was given infusion therapy to stabilize my blood pressure, but my body reacted with nausea and vomiting.
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In the afternoon, mobilization was planned. I warned the staff that as soon as the bed was raised, I felt unwell; however, given how important movement is after such surgery, we decided to try anyway. As soon as I sat on the edge of the bed, I became severely dizzy and lost consciousness for a few seconds.
When I came to, I was back in bed, surrounded by nurses who were clearly concerned. Shortly afterward, Dr. Keleş and another physician came into the room. Blood tests showed a rapid drop in hemoglobin—from 14 to 8. An urgent ultrasound examination was performed, revealing significant swelling of the abdominal wall and suspected internal bleeding. An immediate decision was made to operate again. I was taken back to the operating room, where over the course of two hours a hematoma that had formed in the abdominal area was removed.
After waking up from anesthesia, my condition improved noticeably. On the day of the second surgery and the following day, I received blood transfusions due to significant blood loss.
At present, the further recovery process is proceeding normally. The abdominal drains remained in place longer than usual—about one week. My scheduled flight had to be postponed from Wednesday to Sunday. At this point, there is an increased risk of seroma formation, and if it occurs, it will need to be aspirated by a physician in Germany.
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According to medical data and Dr. Keleş’s own experience, hematomas after abdominoplasty are extremely rare. However, even rare complications can occur. In his practice, I was the first such case. Every patient should be aware of the possible risks and understand that complications can arise even in young and completely healthy individuals (31 years old, normal BMI, non-smoker, physically active).
Throughout the entire treatment, I felt constant care and close monitoring from the whole team. What I value most is that this team demonstrates a high level of professionalism not only during routine procedures, but also in emergency and medically complex situations. Despite the complication I experienced, I would without hesitation choose Dr. Keleş and his team again. I chose him because of his impressive results, and in that regard, my expectations were fully met.
27/01/2025