(NewsNation) — Kimberly McCormick, a 65-year-old American, traveled to Mexico for plastic surgery, but was left with a “disfigured” body and $75,000 in medical bills.
“I called my daughter to buzz because I had woken up with huge breasts,” she said.
McCormick, who previously had a positive experience at the same medical facility six years ago, returned for a procedure to remove excess skin and underwent a breast lift after a remarkable weight loss of 150 pounds.
However, what was supposed to be a routine surgery turned into a medical nightmare. Instead of the agreed-upon procedures, McCormick woke up to find herself with unwanted breast implants and a Brazilian butt lift, a surgery known for high mortality rate in the field of cosmetic surgery.
In an interview with “NewsNation Prime,” McCormick said part of her lung also collapsed during the operation.
McCormick’s story is an example of a side effect of the medical tourism industry, which involves people traveling to foreign countries to receive medical treatment.
The industry had surpassed $70 billion in value before the pandemic began, with millions of patients providing funds for expenses related to medical procedures, cross-border and local transportation, patient stays and lodging, according to CNBC.
McCormick wanted to have the surgery done in the US, but it cost more than $50,000. While in Mexico, it was $13,000.
Her daughter, Misty Ann McCormick, who accompanied her on the trip, described the horrific conditions she found her mother in when she was finally allowed to see her.
Kimberly McCormick’s lips were blue, her fingertips were turning blue, and her oxygen monitor was carelessly stored on a shelf. Her daughter said she immediately took action, reconnecting the oxygen tube to stabilize her mother.
The situation escalated when her daughter tried to intervene and get help. He claimed he was physically assaulted, threatened and kicked out of the hospital by people wearing uniforms claiming to be members of the Tijuana police, brandishing machine guns.
“They handcuffed me, they beat me with machine guns, they kicked me in the ribs, they kicked me between my legs, they physically threw me out of the hospital,” said Misty Ann McCormick. “I have a huge gash on the back of my head from being hit with the stock of the machine gun.”
Kimberly McCormick revealed she was later blackmailed for money, with a hospital representative warning her to pay up or face jail time in Mexico.
The McCormick family is now struggling with mounting medical bills and is seeking financial help through GoFundMe pageas the estimated cost to restore the failed operation is at least $75,000.
The family’s anguish continued upon their return to the United States, as San Diego police reportedly dismissed their claims and advised them to contact Tijuana police, the same individuals involved in the alleged attack.
“We got laughed at by the San Diego police who told me to call the Tijuana police,” said Misty Ann McCormick.
