She Went In For a Mommy Makeover And Never Came Home

A woman calling for her pre-op consult had one question before anything else: is the surgeon going to leave as soon as the surgery's over? Jackie's answer was no. But the question itself is now what every woman wants answered — because in Cincinnati, a 47-year-old mom of three went in for a mommy makeover and never came home.Rachel Tussey documented her surgery prep on TikTok for weeks before going in at Journey Light Surgery Center in February. Her husband was told everything went great. Minutes later she was unresponsive. Dr. Chang and Jackie pull apart what the family was actually told — "without oxygen for six minutes" — and why that phrase probably came from the hospital later, not the recovery room. They get into why anesthesia is the layer of surgery you should trust most rather than fear, how pain medicine absorbing too quickly in fat can change a recovery room in seconds, who's actually at risk for a clot or embolism, and why outpatient surgery is not the safety downgrade people assume. Plus: the surgeon is now suing the surgery center.Source: Rachel Tussey's TikTok account, @racheltusseyHOSTSJackie O'Brien RN, BSN, CNORClinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery CenterWith 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she's exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat — Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home.Christopher Chang, MDPlastic SurgeonConsidered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country.Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient's preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results.About Secret ServicesIn DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you'll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know — and what they're willing to tell you.LinksLearn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher ChangFollow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon @congressionalplasticsurgeryAnd on TikTok @congressionalpsurgeryHost: Christopher Chang, MDProducer: Eva Sheie @ The AxisAssistant Producer: Mary Ellen Clarkson Engineering: Chris MannTheme music: Harry's Perfume - Harry EdvinoCover Art: Dan ChildsSecret Services is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io