Doctor Who Performed Ill-Fated Tummy Tuck Surgery on Mom of 3 Rachel Tussey Says He’s ‘Heartbroken’

An Ohio mother of three has been declared brain dead following serious complications from a tummy tuck procedure she underwent in February. Rachel Tussey, 47, underwent surgery on February 25, and her husband, Jeremy Tussey, later announced on social media that her condition had severely deteriorated post-operation.

In a statement shared on TikTok, Jeremy revealed that he was initially informed that Rachel’s surgery went well, but shortly after, her health took a drastic turn. Describing the agonising situation, he said Rachel became unresponsive, prompting emergency medical intervention, including CPR from a nurse. Despite being transported to TriHealth Bethesda North Hospital, Rachel was found to have suffered a lack of oxygen for over six minutes, leading to her declaration of brain death.

The tragic events have drawn significant attention, prompting the Tussey family to seek legal representation to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rachel’s surgery. Attorney Bernard Layne confirmed that he has been retained to help the family navigate this difficult time. He expressed the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn and focus on Rachel’s remaining time in hospice care.

Dr. Shahryar Tork, the plastic surgeon who performed the procedure, expressed his sorrow over the situation in a statement to PEOPLE on March 12. He described himself as “heartbroken” for Rachel and her family while emphasising that the operation was completed without complications. Dr. Tork elaborated that Rachel was initially stable after surgery, conversing with her husband before being monitored overnight at an independently operated facility, where staff responsibility shifted away from his direct oversight.

In his statement, the surgeon also acknowledged the unfortunate turn of events, noting he was notified of Rachel’s condition change and promptly returned to assist in her care. Dr. Tork has since ceased all procedures at the surgery centre affiliated with the incident, underlining his unwillingness to comment further due to patient privacy laws.

As the family navigates this harrowing ordeal, Jeremy has shared updates on a GoFundMe page that was launched to support them financially during this distressing time. The page detailed that Jeremy would ultimately face the “heartbreaking decision” to remove Rachel from life support, as her condition had been described as a “vegetative state,” with no prospects for recovery due to profound irreversible brain damage.

Layne highlighted the severity of Rachel’s condition, explaining that the brain injury she sustained resulted from a total lack of oxygen, leading to cell death. With medical professionals reporting no pathway to recovery, Rachel is currently receiving palliative care.

Sharing their home with their three children, Tristan, Alec, and Livi, Rachel and Jeremy have faced this tragedy with a deep sense of loss. The family has requested understanding from the public as they come to terms with the unexpected situation and focus on togetherness during this painful period.

The case has raised broader discussions about surgical safety and the potential risks associated with cosmetic procedures, as families seek clarity on the standards and practices in such operations. Many are asking questions about the adequacy of post-operative care and the responsibilities of medical professionals in similar circumstances.

As the investigation unfolds, many are left pondering the implications of this tragedy, highlighting the need for vigilant scrutiny in the field of cosmetic surgery. The Tussey family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of unexpected medical complications on families.