An Australian mother of six, Tegan Gunning, has shared her harrowing experience following a failed ‘mommy makeover’ that cost her over $33,000. Gunning, 34, recently detailed her story on social media, shedding light on the complications she faced after undergoing cosmetic surgery in Bangkok, Thailand.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Tegan-Gunning-failed-tummy-tuck-041326-1a566aadd1b641d1a71748b96f0bbefd.jpg)
In January 2025, Gunning travelled to Thailand for a series of procedures including a breast lift, augmentation, tummy tuck, and muscle repair, all booked through a concierge service. Initially, she felt optimistic and confident following the surgery. However, her optimism soon turned to despair when she began to experience bloating in her upper abdomen, which was later identified as resulting from muscle separation. Additionally, she noticed complications with her breast implants.
As the months went by, Gunning sought assistance from the concierge service, only to be advised to wait six months post-surgery to reassess her situation. By that time, she had obtained an ultrasound that revealed a concerning 38mm gap between her abdominal muscles and a ruptured breast implant. Gunning reported that the original surgical team conceded that her tummy tuck had failed and proposed another operation to repair her muscles through her belly button, as well as a revision of her breast augmentation.
Anticipating improvements, Gunning agreed to undergo a second surgery in January 2026. However, the aftermath did not yield the results she had hoped for. After the operation, she felt strangely comfortable in her abdomen and noticed no visible changes. During a subsequent follow-up appointment, she claims the surgeon informed her that he had not performed the muscle repair, despite earlier ultrasounds confirming that surgery was necessary.
Disheartened, Gunning opted to return to Australia for a fresh set of examinations. Another ultrasound indicated that the gap in her muscles had widened to 41mm, further complicating her situation. The total financial burden from multiple surgeries and travel expenses now stands at approximately $47,000 AUD (around $33,000 USD).
Gunning expressed her profound disappointment, stating, “I’m feeling really devastated now. After spending that kind of money on myself, I feel terrible…I have to pay it all over again to have it fixed.” The physical and emotional toll has also affected her self-esteem, as she described feeling less confident than before and suffering from ongoing back pain related to her unresolved issues.
Seeking help from a new surgeon in Australia, Gunning learned that she required further revisions not only for her muscle repair but for several other aspects of her cosmetic procedures. She reported that the corrections needed included excessive scarring, improper liposuction resulting in asymmetry, an oversized belly button, and an incomplete mons lift for which she had paid extra. Moreover, she was told that her second breast surgery had left her with lopsided results and additional scarring from mismanaged tissue.
In response to her concerns, a representative from the concierge service stated that they cannot discuss specific patient matters due to privacy regulations, emphasising their commitment to patient care and continuous improvement.
As Gunning navigates the psychological and practical challenges of her situation, the costs associated with further surgeries — alongside the responsibilities of caring for her six children — have made it difficult for her to seek necessary revisions. “I’ve only received a quote for my tummy tuck so far, which stands at $23,300 AUD on its own, and that could increase if I require additional hospital care,” she explained, revealing her ongoing distress over spending savings on what was meant to be a transformative experience.
While contemplating legal action, Gunning acknowledges that pursuing a claim would require costs better allocated to her medical needs. “As a working family, we have to choose between the two,” she lamented, leaving the door open for potential legal action in the future while focusing on her immediate health concerns.
Tegan Gunning’s ordeal highlights the significant challenges some individuals face while navigating cosmetic procedures, emphasising the need for thorough research and careful consideration before undergoing surgeries.