Ohio Mom’s ‘Mommy Makeover’ Turns Tragic After She Goes 6 Minutes Without Oxygen

A mother from Ohio, who documented her journey through a cosmetic surgery commonly known as the “mommy makeover” procedure on TikTok was removed from life support after complications following the surgery, according to her family.

Rachel Tussey, a 47-year-old woman from Ohio, gained attention on social media after sharing her cosmetic surgery journey on TikTok. Tussey shared videos about the process with more than 25,000 followers. Her videos discussed her plans to undergo cosmetic surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group in the Cincinnati area.

The surgery included a tummy tuck, which Rachel Tussey described in her videos as a long-awaited 'midlife glow up.' According to Tussey’s family, she experienced life-threatening complications after the procedure.

Tussey posted several videos on TikTok before the surgery, explaining she had planned the procedure for years. In one clip shared online, Tussey was seen wearing a hospital gown shortly before the surgery and told her followers she felt both excited and nervous about the procedure.

The surgery was performed on February 25. It was an abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess abdominal skin and tighten the underlying muscle.

According to her husband, Jeremy Tussey, the procedure initially appeared successful. In a video posted on Tussey’s TikTok account after the surgery, Jeremy Tussey said the doctor told him the procedure 'went great'. However, the situation quickly deteriorated in the recovery room.

According to Jeremy Tussey, doctors administered fentanyl and hydromorphone, also known as the brand name Dilaudid, for pain. He said shortly after his wife received the medication, he noticed a change in her condition.

Jeremy Tussey said that Rachael Tussey’s face went pale and she stopped responding. After she became unresponsive, medical staff began CPR and attempted to revive her. He also said naloxone, also known as Narcan was administered before the doctor was called, and emergency services were contacted. He alleged the staff at the Plastic Surgery Group waited as long as 15 minutes before calling the EMTs.

Tussey was later transferred to TriHealth Bethesda North Hospital, where doctors placed her on life support. According to Jeremy Tussey, doctors later told him his wife had gone without oxygen for more than six minutes during the medical emergency.

After neurological evaluations showed severe brain injury and minimal brain activity. Jeremy Tussey faced the decision of removing his wife from life support. Early reports said Tussey had died, but her family later clarified that she was under hospice supervision.

Rachel Tussey is currently in a vegetative state and is receiving end-of-life care as her family prepares for what doctors describe as a gradual passing.

While Tussey’s family has hired legal representation to investigate the timeline of the emergency response, a formal medical malpractice lawsuit has not yet been filed.