I had five plastic surgery operations in one day and my nipples DIED
A MODEL had five plastic surgery procedures in one day before her nipples turned black and the tissue died.
Alejandra Mercedes went under the knife to have a combined breast lift and implant change, liposuction on her back and a skin tightening procedure.
But the 25-year-old discovered both nipples had lost all blood flow three days later, and were turning black.
The influencer from Miami, US, said: "My takeaway from this experience is that it is much better to only have one surgery at a time.
"I think the necrosis and issues with my recovery and pain were all because my body couldn't cope with so many surgical sites to heal.
"My nipples were so black they looked burned, they were completely dead.
"I was panicking and worried I would look like I'd had cancer with no nipples at all."
She since decided to share the shocking pictures to warn others of the complications that can crop up.
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Alejandra paid $20,000 for her five-in-one-day operation and was left on strong painkillers to cope.
The model said: "My mind was all over the place.
"They gave me a cream to put on the parts where I had necrosis that would allow the dead skin to soften up and fall off.
"Most of it did but on some parts they had to cut it off with scissors.
"Then some of my breast muscle burst through my stitches and I needed a second surgery to put everything back together neatly.
"Thankfully I healed well after that."
Now fully recovered, Alejandra has written an ebook about her experience - Results after the Cut.
She wants to give a warning to other women considering surgery, and encourage them to do their research on preventative measures to side effects.
What the expert says:
Hazim Sadideen, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic in Chelsea, London, has shared advice for patients considering surgery.
"Smoking can hugely increase the risk of post-surgical complications.
"The nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarettes restricts the air flow to the lungs, which need to be working towards 100% capacity during general anaesthetic.
"Smoking affects the circulation which reduces the blood flow to the skin, causing a delay in wound healing.
"Cigarette smoke also increases the risk of infection and heart-related complications and negatively impacts the immune system. It is advisable to quit smoking at least six weeks before any major procedure."
Meanwhile, certain vitamins can "interfere" with the anaesthesia.
Sadideen said: "Certain vitamins should be avoided pre-surgery which may interfere with anaesthetic, bleeding and healing, however some are extremely useful for optimising health and healing.
"Vitamins such as vitamin C, D & E and zinc can help support immunity and healing however some supplements and extracts such as garlic and turmeric can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding."
If you decided to have surgery, do your research about all the risks and make sure to find a surgeon and clinic with experience in the procedure you're interested in having.
Read reviews and the doctor's patient testimonials, checking their qualifications and looking at before and after photos of similar operations they have performed.
Alejandra said: "I have met so many women who suffered necrosis and infections like what happened to me.
"Before I suffered I had no idea how common these issues were after plastic surgery.
"We don't know why it happened to me but I especially want women to think carefully about having more than one surgery at a time as it puts a lot of strain on the body to try and recover.
"After this experience, I don't think I will have another procedure except maybe a cosmetic tattoo to improve the scars around my nipples.
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"At the moment I only have a tiny bit of areola left, only about 2cm.
"But I am so grateful for how well I healed. I feel beautiful now."
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