After a low-cost boob job abroad became a nightmare, Lauren turned to Pall Mall for expert help and now advocates for honest conversations and tighter regulation of overseas cosmetic surgery.
Back in 2023, Lauren Simon flew to Turkey chasing a cut price fix for her breasts, and instead walked into a nightmare that left her in pain, frightened and full of regret.
The Real Housewives of Cheshire star’s low-cost boob job quickly unravelled into complications that Lauren says made her worry she would die. This forced Lauren to confront the real cost of bargain surgery abroad.
Now after turning to Pall Mall Cosmetics who repaired the damage, Lauren uses her platform to call for tighter rules, better warnings and honest conversations about the risks behind glossy overseas social media surgery ads.
Reality favourite Lauren’s signature confidence took a huge hit when a boob job in Turkey went horribly wrong. Hoping for a fresh look and a bargain, she instead found herself trapped in pain and fear. Her experience in Turkey was the turning point; she returned in 2023 with a troubling outcome. Lauren has spoken candidly about her ordeal and shared that her immediate post-op worries turned into something much worse: after surgery her breast began to ooze a bright orange fluid, and her nipple nearly became necrotic (died), a far cry from the picture-perfect result she’d hoped for.
“I genuinely thought I might die,” she admitted. “It was terrifying to see my body react that way.” Lauren’s breast was infected and, thanks to her doctor and the right medication, the infection was treated.
It took immense courage for Lauren to open up about what she went through, but honesty, it turns out, became a lifeline. She sought out further medical guidance and corrective surgery, leading to a revision mastopexy and implant exchange with capsulectomy the following year here at Pall Mall. That journey taught her firsthand how overseas clinics can fall short on safety and aftercare. She then joined Pall Mall’s campaign to warn others about the risks of cosmetic surgery abroad, spotlighting our commitment to thorough consultation, quality results, and reliable post-procedure support, with the core message of our campaign that the UK is a safer, better choice for cosmetic surgery procedures.
Set on turning things around, Lauren booked a consultation with us. Her experience was a world apart from her hurried overseas ordeal. Supported by our calm and compassionate surgical team, Lauren finally felt like her fears and hopes were heard. Every step was explained in detail, from the first scan down to her hospital gown. She describes the care she received as “a breath of fresh air,” realising it was as much about emotional support as medical expertise. For Lauren, this was more than just a procedure, it was the promise of her life, and her confidence, being given back to her.
Lauren’s consultation with her surgeon Mr Amer Hussain was a turning point. She could finally express the emotional rollercoaster she’d been on, and have her options tailored to her needs. Implant removal and replacement was not presented as a one-size-fits-all operation, but as a highly individualised process to feeling comfortable and safe again.
Mr Hussain examined her carefully, ordered the right scans, and explained every next step. She was reassured that modern techniques allowed old implants to be removed using her existing scars, which helped her feel less anxious about scarring and healing.
Under general anaesthetic, Mr Hussain reopened the old scars, gently removed the problematic implants, and meticulously cleared away the damaged tissue and scarred areas. Lauren’s breast was given a proper assessment, and new, carefully selected implants were inserted.
The attention to detail made all the difference. Lauren remembers waking up and, even through the initial discomfort, feeling the weight of anxiety lift. Complete and utter relief; no more oozing, no lingering pain, and finally, after years of hiding behind her clothes, she saw a result in the mirror that she could embrace. “I honestly feel like myself again. I’m just so grateful to have had this sorted, and by such kind, knowledgeable people,” Lauren has said.
Breast implant removal and replacement surgery is a specialised procedure for women with damaged, old, or unwanted breast implants. The operation is done under general anaesthesia for comfort and safety. Women choose this surgery for a range of reasons, from health problems and pain (as in Lauren’s case) to changes in body shape or personal preference over time.
Lauren’s story is a powerful example of why some women choose to have revision surgery. Her original operation left her body in distress and her mind wracked with stress.
Choosing a reputable UK clinic like Pall Mall Cosmetics felt like a necessary act of self-care, above all else. Lauren has since become a vocal advocate for proper surgical safety, backing a Pall Mall Cosmetics safety campaign and urging others not to gamble their health for a discount.
“If I could go back, I’d never have risked it abroad. You can’t put a price on feeling safe and happy in your own skin,” she had said.
For anyone weighing up their options, Lauren’s advice rings clear: take your time, choose trusted experts, and never sacrifice your wellbeing for a quick fix.
"It was really soon after the operation. I noticed this awful orange fluid leaking and my nipple went nearly black. That’s when I genuinely panicked. I felt like I was going to die and that no one abroad really cared about what was happening to me."
"Terrified! After what happened, I lost all trust. But my surgeon Mr Hussain was incredible, so calm, so reassuring. For the first time, I actually felt listened to, not rushed."
"Please don’t do it. You might save money at first, but your health isn’t worth the risk. Being able to talk to my surgeon at every stage, knowing I could go back if I needed help, that meant the world to me."
"Honestly, so grateful. I’ve got my confidence back, my body feels right, and I can move on with my life. I just hope my experience can stop someone else going through the same pain I did."
Our expert team are always here to help, advise and arrange appointments with our specialist consultants.
