TikTok Doc’s Trans Patients Post More Gruesome Stories Of Post-Op Complications

Multiple double mastectomy patients have accused a Miami plastic surgeon, TikTok, of leaving them with life-threatening and painful complications. 

Dr. Sidhbh Galagher was the one who got the moniker “TikTok Surgeon” for her advertisements The platform also featured came under fire last month after an obese former patient’s claims against her went viral on multiple social media platforms. An investigation by Daily Wire found five other Gallagher former patients, who ranged in weight from overweight to obese. “super morbid obese” All of them claimed that they had experienced similar complications after chest surgery.

Medical professionals who spoke to The Daily Wire on condition of anonymity were alarmed to learn of a pattern of alleged complications among Gallagher’s obese patients and drew comparisons between her Miami-based practice and other forms of “plastic surgery tourism” The South Florida city is well-known for its reputation. 

Rylan, a biological female who flew to Miami from Ohio in October to undergo a double mastectomy surgery by Gallagher, said the doctor’s willingness to operate on patients regardless of their BMI (body mass index), a clinical measure for body-fat percentage or distribution, guided the decision.

Three weeks after the surgery, Rylan’s wounds reopened, became infected, and required an emergency room visit. Rylan asserts that Gallagher is responsible disputed It was determined that the wounds were either infected or required hospital treatment. Rylan was eventually required to remove six inches worth of necrotic tissue. “almost cost me my life.” 

After Rylan’s story went viral, the transgender community turned on Gallagher, who had previously been seen as an ally. A private, 32,000-member group on Facebook was created for this purpose. “top surgery” patients, discussion of Rylan’s story prompted other former patients of Gallagher to come forward with graphic photos and descriptions of their alleged complications from surgery. 

Gallagher’s former patients, who were all either overweight, obese or morbidly obese, said that they also needed hospitalization, urgent treatment, or antibiotic treatment when their wounds reopened or became infected. 

Plastic surgeons typically won’t perform elective surgeries on obese people when their weight heightens the risk of dangerous complications. A high BMI is linked to increased There are higher chances of infection and poor wound healing due to surgery. Gallagher, however, will operate Her published research on patients of all weights shows that around 54% Most of her patients have obesity. 

“In an effort to be as inclusive as possible we do not have an absolute cutoff BMI requirement for patients who are interested in undergoing top surgery,” A section of her website dedicat to “High Body Mass Index Patients” states.

Research shows that transgender women are more likely to be obese than biological women. One study It was found that over a quarter of transgender adults are seeking out “gender affirming” Surgery were considered ineligible because they are obese. Another recent example: study It was found that 39% (of trans-identifying females) who sought testosterone treatment were obese. This number increased to 42-52% when treatment began.

The Daily Wire’s investigation found that many of Gallagher’s former top surgery patients flew to Miami from out of state and even out of the country because they had difficulty finding local surgeons willing to operate on them due to their weight.

The transgender community has dedicated lists, threads and other resources, such as the “TransBMI” website They are dedicated to helping obese people find the right resources. “gender affirming” There are surgeons that can operate on anyone’s weight. Attitudes “top surgery” Influenced by Facebook groups “fat acceptance” social justice movement. 

While some former patients of Gallagher – usually ones in the normal to overweight BMI range – reported no complications from their surgeries, others who were in the overweight to super-morbidly obese range had much different experiences.

One patient with a BMI 56.8 from Oregon (classified as “super morbid obesity”After a 25-pound weight loss, a local surgeon recommended Gallagher to perform a double mastectomy.

“Don’t get me started on how awfully antiquated BMI is,” the patient wrote at the time on the Facebook group’s page. Other people shared her sentiments with comments like “BMI is fake science” And “BMI is outdated and inaccurate.” 

Gallagher performed the surgery at Coral Gables Hospital because the patient’s BMI was high. The patient could be monitored over night at Coral Gables Hospital instead of an outpatient surgical center. Gallagher had one in-person follow up visit and the patient was able to fly home five days later.

The patient described his experience in Oregon a day later, when he returned home. “a large blowhole” Under the left arm that was “oozing blood.” “Blowhole” is Gallagher’s own term For surgical incisions that reopen.

Gallagher advised that the patient contact Gallagher after he had allegedly recommended to “let it drain and trust the process.” Instead of visiting the hospital, the patient treated the wounds at home. “maxi pads.”

One month after the surgery, the patient reported that he noticed a difference. “painful irritation” And “cellulitis” This was too difficult to ignore.

“So I went to