Exclusive: Mum's Dental Dream Turns Into a Nightmare with Hole in Face
Leanne Abeyance, a 40-year-old from Telford, Shropshire, embarked on a journey to Turkey in May 2024 with hopes of achieving a beautiful new smile through dental implants. Instead, she now faces a terrifying reality: a hole in her face that has her fearing she might lose her top lip entirely. What began as a cost-saving decision has spiraled into a medical crisis, leaving Leanne in constant pain and struggling to find adequate help.
The Allure of Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry Abroad
Leanne chose to travel to Turkey for her dental work because the same procedure in the United Kingdom would have cost an estimated £40,000. In contrast, the treatment in Turkey was priced at £8,000, with Leanne paying only £3,000 upfront and the remainder due after her new teeth were fitted. This significant price difference highlights the growing trend of medical tourism, where patients seek cheaper alternatives abroad, often without fully considering the potential risks.
Prior to her ordeal, Leanne worked as a DJ and had worn veneers for 13 years. Seeking a permanent solution, she underwent extensive dental work, including a sinus lift and bone grafts recommended by a dentist. The procedure involved having eight implants placed on top and seven on the bottom, requiring her teeth to be pulled out and screws and implants fitted. Initially, Leanne was pleased with her temporary teeth, which were inserted two days later, and she planned to return to Turkey five months later for permanent fittings.
Complications and a Growing Medical Emergency
Weeks after the procedure, Leanne began experiencing intense headaches and sinusitis. A scan at a private dentist revealed a shocking discovery: two of the implants had pierced her nose. This has led to a hole that Leanne describes as constantly leaking and bleeding, making it difficult for her to eat or breathe properly. She must keep gauze on the wound, exacerbating her discomfort.
Leanne shared her distress, stating, "I'm scared that I'm going to have no lips left. It's already gone under my top lip and onto my gums." She has been in and out of doctors' offices, given antibiotics, and even hospitalized overnight on an IV feed, but the condition persists. The pain has been so severe that she has visited A&E multiple times, only to be told her case is a "grey area" and unable to receive immediate help.
Physical and Emotional Toll of the Ordeal
Beyond the physical agony, Leanne is dealing with a potential serious infection. She is awaiting confirmation from her GP on whether she has osteomyelitis, a bacterial infection of the bone that causes inflammation, pain, fever, and swelling. This condition could further complicate her recovery and require intensive treatment.
Emotionally, Leanne is "angry, frustrated, tired and fed up" with the lack of support. She has also faced negative reactions online, adding to her distress. However, there is a glimmer of hope: she has contacted her original surgeon in London and secured an appointment in a few weeks, which she hopes will lead to a resolution.
Warnings and Calls for Kindness
Reflecting on her experience, Leanne urges others in similar situations to "please go private, do not leave it. Do not accept no for an answer." She emphasizes the importance of seeking proper medical care and not delaying treatment, especially when complications arise from procedures done abroad.
Additionally, Leanne addresses the cruel messages she has received on social media, calling for more empathy: "Start being kind to one another, we are all human, and there's only so much one can take." Her story serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with medical tourism and the need for thorough research and consideration before undergoing cosmetic procedures overseas.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, resources like Samaritans are available at 116 123, and in emergencies, dial 999.
