Gina Heslop
Pete Broadhurst, an 81-year-old retired painter and decorator from Birmingham, had always been self-conscious about his appearance.
His insecurities began back in 1959, after a dental issue caused his cheeks to swell, giving him what he called “hamster cheeks.” Over the years, these insecurities grew, especially after failed relationships where his appearance was criticized. Hoping to improve his confidence, Pete decided to undergo cosmetic surgery in 2019.
He approached BMI The Priory Hospital in Birmingham and paid £11,000 for a series of procedures, including a neck lift, under-eye blepharoplasty, and rhinoplasty, aimed at reducing his puffy cheeks.
Pete underwent the nine-hour surgery and was discharged the following day. However, things took a drastic turn for the worse. Pete found himself unable to fully close his eyes, which caused constant irritation and discomfort.
Initially, when he returned to the hospital to get his stitches removed, he was reassured that the side effects were normal and would pass. But as weeks turned into months, the issue persisted, making his life increasingly difficult.
Simple tasks like sleeping became a challenge, and his vision deteriorated so much that he couldn’t drive, recognize faces, or enjoy hobbies like shooting. His frustration and despair deepened when private hospitals refused to operate further, and the NHS waiting list was a year long.
Months later, Pete underwent a corrective surgery arranged by his original surgeon, which involved a skin graft. Unfortunately, this too failed to solve the problem. Over the next four years, Pete relied on eye drops and other remedies, but his quality of life remained poor. To save money for further treatment, he even turned to food banks.
Finally, Pete traveled to the Origin Clinic in Thailand, where he underwent surgery for £4,544 (200,000 Baht). This procedure was a success. Pete could finally close his eyes, sleep comfortably, and see clearly without glasses. He described his relief, saying, “I feel normal again.”
BMI Healthcare has since stated they are investigating Pete’s case, and the surgeon involved is currently suspended. Pete’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks of cosmetic surgery.
