RHOC star says 'don't make same mistake' as she thought she would die

(L-R) Lauren Simon, Ampicka Pickston, Leanne Brown, Dawn Ward, Tany Bardsley and Magali Gorre of The Real Housewives of Cheshire
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Real Housewives of Cheshire star Lauren Simon has told how her breast oozed orange fluid and her nipple nearly died following botched cosmetic surgery abroad. Lauren led a demonstration at Manchester Airport warning of the risks of cut-price surgery deals overseas and urging the government to act.

She and a group of ‘Cosmetic Crusaders’ from private healthcare provider Pall Mall landed in Manchester Airport to raise awareness about the dangers of travelling abroad for cheap cosmetic surgery. Aiming to spotlight the serious risks associated with “too-good-to-be-true” bargain procedures often promoted on social media, the event coincided with an open letter from Pall Mall Medical addressed to MPs, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

It urged action to regulate tempting social media ads and highlight the dangers of cosmetic surgery abroad. The clinic has also launched a public petition for those who believe tighter regulations and increased awareness are urgently needed.

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Lauren shared her harrowing experience, describing how her left breast became infected, and her nipple turned black after surgery in Turkey. Doctors there attempted to save the tissue by pricking her breast with needles, but her scars became severely infected, oozing an orange discharge.

Lauren Simon at the demonstration
Lauren Simon at the demonstration -Credit:Getty

“I thought I was going to die,” Lauren said. “My nipple turned black, and my breast was oozing orange fluid.” What was meant to be a one-week trip turned into a month-long ordeal as she battled the severe infection.

On her return to the UK, she sought help from a cosmetic surgeon to manage her wounds. Lauren, now awaiting corrective surgery at Pall Mall, is using her story to warn others about the potential dangers. “The worst part was the aftercare - not knowing what was happening and being pacified. My advice is to do your research and ensure you have good aftercare, or you could find yourself in serious trouble.”

Also at the rally was Stacey Bates, a mother of two and another victim of a botched breast procedure. Stacey, 29, who is awaiting corrective surgery at Pall Mall, shared how social media ads and bargain prices drew her in. “I was seduced by the price, but as soon as I woke up from the general anaesthetic, I knew something wasn’t right,” she explained. “I wasn’t consulted about the size of the breast implant; it felt like they just grabbed what they had left.”

Dr Simon Theobalds, an A&E doctor and Pall Mall GP, who co-authored the open letter, expressed growing concern over the rising number of cases involving botched surgeries. He stressed the need for urgent government intervention to address this alarming trend. “We see patients drawn in by deals for half-price tummy tucks or breast augmentations,” Dr Theobalds notes, “but these clinics often don’t match the safety standards required in the UK. Language barriers can also lead to misunderstandings, and hygiene standards are often compromised. People don’t realise they may be treated by unqualified practitioners, and unfortunately, some end up paying the ultimate price - their life.”

According to the latest figures, 28 Britons have lost their lives due to complications from overseas procedures since 2019, including seven deaths in 2024 alone – among them, the tragic case of mother-of-two Kaydell Brown, who passed away after travelling to Turkey for a Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation costing £5,400.

This week’s rally highlighted a clear and growing demand for stronger regulations, improved public awareness, and better aftercare for individuals seeking cosmetic surgery abroad.

People can call for change by signing Pall Mall’s petition – https://chng.it/vkgqmpDQCg