A breast patient claims she was scarred for life and left with dying nipples after horror surgery.
Kirsty Adam, 24, from Glasgow, Scotland, had surgery to increase her breasts from a 36D to a DD cup after weight loss caused her breasts to “sag”.
She opted for a $7,700 mastectomy, commonly known as a breast lift, at Transform, a plastic surgery clinic, but was left with necrotic flesh.
Her surgeon Dr. Vana Vasilescu was investigated in the United Kingdom and later struck off the General Medical Council register. The register is an independent organization that licenses doctors in the UK and sets medical standards.
Adam said: “Initially I did some research to see what I could do.”
“I knew my breasts would need cosmetic correction and that surgery was the only option – so I decided to have a mastopexy.”
“You hear more horror stories from people going abroad than in the UK. And I thought I would be safe here.”
“You never think something bad is going to happen to you, but apparently it did.”
“I’m left with permanent damage and it’s even worse than before.”
“It sounds harsh, but it feels like someone has hacked me with a dull, rusty knife.”
Adam had a consultation in May 2015 and the following month met with Vasilescu for a pre-operative assessment.
He paid nearly $7,700 for the treatment, an insurance policy and extensive aftercare in case something went wrong.
Adam had the operation on July 25, 2015, performed by Vasilescu in a private clinic.
She returned to the Glasgow clinic for tests where nurses cleaned her wounds and changed her bandages.
But she also felt something was wrong when her nipples became “partially necrotic”.
Parts of her chest turned black and bits of dying flesh had to be removed.
He said: “After the operation, I went to change my dressings. The nurse said I had necrosis – rotting flesh.’
“I knew this was possible from my research because nipples are removed and reattached, and sometimes part of them can’t heal properly.”
“Every time I came back they took pieces out of me. I thought it was to help the skin regenerate and grow back.”
“I looked down and it was black. I knew it shouldn’t show that color, but I trusted the nurse.”
Adam saw Vasilescu on August 16 and claimed she was sure things were fine.
She raised concerns with the clinic before asking to see another surgeon – and that was the last time she saw Vasilescu.
Another surgeon re-examined her and put Adam on a course of antibiotics after saying there was an infection.
Adam followed up with further checks and eventually learned that Vasilescu had left the company.
She claims she then discovered that many other young women had experienced similar problems after being treated by Vasilescu.
Vasilescu appeared before a temporary tribunal at the Medical Practitioners’ Tribunal (MPTS) on 8 August 2016, following an investigation by the General Medical Council.
The hearing considered whether the surgeon’s registration should be restricted while allegations about her conduct were resolved.
Vasilescu received a temporary suspension before he was finally struck off the registry on February 10, 2017.
She is no longer allowed to operate in the UK.
The Medical Tribunal Service (MPTS) said it “will not comment on individual cases” and was only able to confirm Vasilescu’s registration status.
A spokeswoman said the surgeon had been struck off the GMC for “administrative reasons”.
Adam is undergoing revision surgery carried out by an independent doctor in England.
This is in addition to laser treatment aimed at healing her scars and tattooing to replace her nipples, which she claims Transform is funding.
Adam claims she was offered $320 in compensation as a “goodwill gesture” but turned the money down.
He said: “I have to have revision surgery because there is so much damage.”
“Nothing is where it should be. Everything is very high. My chest is really hard, it hurts and I don’t have nipples.”
“I’ve put on weight due to stress and not being able to stay active.”
“Now it looks like someone hacked me with a dull, rusty knife.”
“For $7,700 that shouldn’t be the case – to do it in the UK.”
“It makes you lose faith in the health care system and all these regulations that are out there.”
“I’m happy to speak out as long as it prevents other people from being treated this way.”
Transform confirmed that Vasilescu no longer works for them, but declined to give reasons.
A Transform spokesperson said: “Transform has offered Adam a free revision procedure, which is sponsored by the company and carried out by a surgeon with practicing privileges with Transform. Adam accepted that offer.”
He added: “Vasilescu is no longer working with Transform.”
“Ensuring continuity of high-quality patient care is Transform’s highest priority.”
“This means we provide support and care to patients throughout and after their Transform procedure.”
“We are proud to have very high levels of patient satisfaction among the thousands of patients who come to Transform for procedures each year.”
“In the rare event that a patient may be dissatisfied with the results of their procedure, we ensure that they are offered a free follow-up consultation and a free revision procedure if recommended by a surgeon.”
“These policies and procedures demonstrate Transform’s commitment to high quality and continuity of care.”
