Mommy Makeover Turned Nightmare

In April 2022, I spent over $14,000 on a “Mommy makeover” with plastic surgeon Dr. David Csikai. Regretfully, in May 2022, I faced distressing issues caused by mistakes made by the doctor and his team, leading to various infections. I have meticulously documented everything, although I have not shared all the evidence due to its graphic nature.

After experiencing complications following procedures, including breast splitting, infections, incorrect nipple placement, unevenly distributed liposuction, and an enclosed belly button, I now have raised, jagged, uneven scars on my breasts. Dr. Csikai initially acknowledged the mistakes and offered a scar revision and discounted lipo to correct the errors. However, he mentioned that I needed to wait 3 months to heal before the scar revision could be done. Despite his RN’s attempts to upsell a $4300 lipo surgery, I declined since we'd already spent $14,000. The doctor eventually agreed to perform the lipo for $2300. I reluctantly paid a $500 deposit for the lipo scheduled for March 2024, but later requested a refund out of fear of undergoing surgery with him again. Although I expressed interest in moving forward with the scar revision as promised, I received no response. After multiple attempts to reach the RN, Montana, I was eventually informed that I had been refunded and that the doctor was no longer comfortable doing the scar revision. She then canceled my appointments. Dr. Csikai did not fulfill his promises to correct the errors since I was not willing to spend more money with him.

I had a negative experience with Dr. Csikai and his team before and after surgery. During appointments, he appeared distracted, disorganized, and inattentive. The lack of organization and follow-up post-surgery resulted in a delay in my post-op appointment, worsening my condition due to poor communication. Instead of an in-person visit, I was instructed by Lori to remove my stitches at home. I felt unfairly blamed for surgery-related issues, such as being repeatedly questioned about smoking despite never having smoked a day in my life. Dr. Csikai's forgetfulness was evident as he asked that same question multiple times during my visits.

The RN, Lori, advised me to remove stitches to ease my comfort without specifying which ones, leading to complications and breast splitting. The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection, and implant removal was brought up. Lori left the office without explanation after that. During one appointment, the doctor expressed concern and asked if I had removed the “blue stitches.” Also, Kim informed me that the doctor has vision issues, potentially contributing to the surgical errors. Kim used her fingers to point in front of her, pulling one hand back, to explain how his eyesight was impaired. Explaining how he doesn’t see distance/depth well and that things are skewed when he’s looking straight on. Dr. Csikai now has a new RN, Montana. The turnover of 3 RNs in 2 years is unusual.

Lastly, and arguably the most disturbing detail, was the unauthorized work Dr. Csikai performed. What was supposed to be a routine Mommy makeover (breast aug/lift/tummy tuck), Dr. Csikai performed unauthorized vaginal work on me without my consent, including a procedure to "tighten" the external vaginal area. When I recovered from surgery, I noticed that area was extremely swollen. When the swelling dissipated, I realized he must have thought he was doing me a favor. I did not give birth vaginally; I had 2 cesareans (hence the Mommy makeover), so vaginal reconstruction was not part of the agreed-upon procedures. To take that kind of liberty with someone’s body while they’re unconscious is egregious. Dr. Csikai acted below the standard of care of a medical professional. Due to the injury and infection caused by his actions, I plan to sue for malpractice and file a complaint with the AHA, requesting a refund of the $14,000 I paid him. Even if Dr. Csikai was willing to fix his mistakes, I would never undergo surgery with him again.