Aussie Says Cheap Bangkok Surgery Left Her Disfigured

Melbourne grandmother Lynda Lazaridis says cosmetic surgery in Bangkok left her with permanent scarring, loss of her breasts and nipples positioned high on her chest after she travelled to Thailand for a 60th birthday body makeover in 2022.

Ms Lazaridis told a recent 60 Minutes programme, she had lost 15kg, was experiencing back pain and had excess skin. She said a Bangkok cosmetic surgeon recommended a series of procedures intended to ease her discomfort.

"They recommended I have a butt lift, thigh lift inner and outer, liposuction, something called a reversed tummy tuck - I had no idea what that was - and arms," she said.

Surgery followed cheaper overseas quote

Ms Lazaridis said she selected the company because the operations were far cheaper than in Australia, where she said the work would have cost more than $200,000.

While discussing payment options, she alleged that the company suggested she access her Australian superannuation by claiming the surgery was treatment for a life-threatening illness, despite it not being urgent.

She said she became concerned shortly before the operation, when the surgeon asked what breast size she wanted. Ms Lazaridis said she requested C-cups.

"I woke up to no breasts. They were gone, completely gone," she said. "My nipple was up here [near my armpits], right in my face."

"Looking at yourself in the mirror every day, and seeing all those scars, it's overwhelming."

Despite further surgery and treatment, Ms Lazaridis said she still finds it difficult to cover her nipples with ordinary bras and clothing.

Doctor calls outcome "indefensible"

Dr Mark Duncan-Smith, a plastic surgeon and chairman of the Western Australian branch of the Australian Medical Association, described the outcome as "indefensible".

"She's botched, she's maimed, she's got scars for life," he said. Dr Duncan-Smith said the nipple placement was "a rookie mistake" and that attempts to correct it would create further scarring.

For foreigners considering cosmetic treatment in Thailand, the cases underline the importance of understanding exactly which procedures are being proposed, who will perform them and what follow-up care will be available after leaving the country. Lower quoted prices can be a major draw, but complex operations may require ongoing treatment if complications arise.

Second woman describes lasting injuries

The programme also reported the case of Sophie Tsivoglou, who said she had a disastrous experience with the same company in 2022, despite having had a positive result there four years earlier.

Ms Tsivoglou claimed she was unable to feel her legs afterwards and was left with unexplained scars in parts of her body not connected to her procedure.

"I've always covered myself before getting in front of a mirror," she said. "It's like I've been in a car accident and dogs have chewed me up, just taking chunks out of my body. It's just terrible."

Picture courtesy of Daily Mall

Join the discussion?

11 August 2026