03 Feb British Celeb Admits She Messed Up Her Own Tummy Tuck by not Following Doctor Instructions
Kerry Katona, former member of the pop group Atomic Kitten and current British media celebrity, is one of the few celebs who has admitted they are at fault for a botched surgery. According to Katona, “I’ve messed it all up!” She is now having a corrective tummy tuck after a botched tuck that didn’t work out because she did not follow the aftercare instructions. Katona is no newcomer to the world of cosmetic surgery and should have known better, but she’s sharing her story as a warning to others who are thinking about plastic surgery but not taking aftercare seriously. Tummy tucks are one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, both globally and at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, but they are also one of the most invasive.
A tummy tuck is much more than simply trimming away excess skin that causes laxity and sagging. This procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, also strengthens the actual abs. Diastasis recti, a condition in which the abs separate (often during pregnancy) is actually addressed during a tummy tuck (it is just done without the skin removal when it is a strictly medical surgery). After a tummy tuck, you’re not only healing from an incision to remove skin, but a much deeper and more invasive abdominal procedure. Plus, with a full tuck (the most common), bellybuttons almost always need to be recreated and liposuction is often paired with the surgery. That’s a lot to recover from, so following aftercare instructions is critical.
Katona’s Story on Tummy Tucks and Regrets
Katona has always been transparent about her surgeries and procedures. At 42 years old, the mother of five is now describing her plans for a second, corrective tummy tuck after she “didn’t look after herself properly.” According to Katona, “I’ve got a bad back and hip at the moment—I feel like an old woman wobbling around.” She shared her experience with new! magazine, saying the pain was so intolerable that she went to the ER. She is now on water tablets to reduce swelling until her surgery takes place. “I’m really looking forward to having my corrective surgery,” says Katona. She showed off her swollen midriff to her fans, admitting, “I never looked after myself properly [after surgery] and I’ve messed it all up, my body is really swollen.”
Swelling, or edema, after surgery is a common side effect if a person doesn’t follow the rest instructions outlined by their surgeon. Swelling can be very uncomfortable, and in some cases dangerous. In the case of post-surgery, swelling can also negatively affect the healing process and incisions. For Katona, the major swelling also affected her breathing. “I was lying down in bed and I felt like I couldn’t breathe,” she says. “My throat and chest felt really tight, it was awful. I felt like I was going to die. My body has been swollen since I had [tummy tuck] surgery last year.” She describes the side effects as her entire body being sore and puffy. It extends to much more than her stomach, including her face, neck, and legs. “I feel like I need popping,” she says.
The Importance of Aftercare
Such side effects are very rare for someone who follows their doctor’s instructions. The first few weeks after a tummy tuck are critical for ensuring the best results. However, if someone refuses to slow down—which can be common with celebrities—they may not only render their surgery pointless but cause needless pain and other side effects. Katona began her plastic surgery journey in 2004 with breast augmentation, followed by a breast lift in 2019. Katona has also been open about liposuction and has had “at least” two previous tummy tucks (multiple tucks can be common for women who have biological children after the surgery).
It may be that Katona was so “used” to tummy tucks that she thought she didn’t need to slow down. However, her current condition serves as a reminder for anyone considering surgery: downtime is critical. Working with the most reputable plastic surgeon is also a key part of a successful journey. To learn more about tummy tucks and how you can get safe, gorgeous results, contact Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center today to schedule your consultation.