An Instagram model has revealed all about a boob job gone wrong that saw her nipples become necrotic – sharing harrowing photos to warn others of surgical complications.
Alejandra Mercedes, 25, who lives in Miami, first went under the knife as a teenager for a liposuction procedure.
In the past decade, the influencer, who has 1.4 million followers on Instagram (@alejandramercedesxc), has undergone seven more procedures including further liposuction, a BBL, nose job and several breast enhancements.
While she doesn’t regret getting work done, it’s not been a smooth ride – with Alejandra’s latest surgery going very wrong.
In October 2021, she got a combined breast lift and implant change to reduce the size of her 34DDD cups, as well as liposuction on her back and a J-Plasma Skin Tightening procedure.
Three days later, the model’s surgical dressings were removed and medical staff discovered that both of her areolas had lost all blood flow and were turning black with necrosis.
“My takeaway from this experience is that it is much better to only have one surgery at a time,” she told Jam Press.
“I think the necrosis and issues with my recovery and pain were all because my body couldn’t cope with so many surgical sites to heal.
“My nipples were so black they looked burned, they were completely dead.
“I was panicking and worried I would look like I’d had cancer with no nipples at all.”
Alejandra paid $20,000 (USD) for her five-in-one-day operation and was on strong painkillers.
The Instagram model said: “My mind was all over the place.”
Alejandra immediately went back to the surgeon’s office, where she was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and given creams to promote the regeneration of healthy tissue on her breast.
However, the doctor was forced to cut away part of the dead skin on her nipples.
She said: “They gave me a cream to put on the parts where I had necrosis that would allow the dead skin to soften up and fall off.
“Most of it did but on some parts they had to cut it off with scissors.
“Then some of my breast muscle burst through my stitches and I needed a second surgery to put everything back together neatly.
“Thankfully I healed well after that.”
Now fully recovered, Alejandra has written an ebook about her experience, dubbed Results after the Cut.
She wants to share her experience as a warning to other women considering surgery and encourage them to do their research on preventative measures to side effects.
Alejandra, who has also starred as a dancer in New York rapper 6ix9ine’s music video for his single YAYA, said: “I have met so many women who suffered necrosis and infections like what happened to me.
“Before I suffered I had no idea how common these issues were after plastic surgery.
“We don’t know why it happened to me but I especially want women to think carefully about having more than one surgery at a time as it puts a lot of strain on the body to try and recover.
“After this experience, I don’t think I will have another procedure except maybe a cosmetic tattoo to improve the scars around my nipples.
“At the moment I only have a tiny bit of areola left, only about 2cm.
“But I am so grateful for how well I healed. I feel beautiful now.”
Within her book, Alejandra shares tips including not smoking for two months before surgery to aid blood flow, not drinking alcohol, taking vitamins and staying on top of prescribed antibiotics.
Jam Press asked a doctor to weigh in, with Hazim Sadideen, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic in Chelsea, London, sharing additional advice for patients considering surgery.
“Smoking can hugely increase the risk of post-surgical complications,” he told Jam Press.
“The nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarettes restricts the air flow to the lungs, which need to be working towards 100% capacity during general anaesthetic.
“Smoking affects the circulation which reduces the blood flow to the skin, causing a delay in wound healing.
“Cigarette smoke also increases the risk of infection and heart-related complications and negatively impacts the immune system. It is advisable to quit smoking at least six weeks before any major procedure.”
Meanwhile, certain vitamins can “interfere” with the anaesthesia.
Sadideen said: “Certain vitamins should be avoided pre-surgery which may interfere with anaesthetic, bleeding and healing, however some are extremely useful for optimising health and healing.
“Vitamins such as vitamin C, D & E and zinc can help support immunity and healing however some supplements and extracts such as garlic and turmeric can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.”
Above all, make sure to find a surgeon and clinic with experience in the procedure you’re interested in having.
A few tips include reading online reviews and the doctor’s patient testimonials, checking their qualifications and looking at before and after photos of similar operations they have performed.
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