They turned to him out of desperation. All three hoped that by going under the plastic surgeon’s knife they’d at last feel comfortable in their own bodies – but instead of helping them, Dr Luke Gordon scarred them for life.
Nine years after her surgery, Myrna Bothma still shudders when she looks at her “butchered” breasts and severely scarred stomach.
Tanya Haumann says she feels as if she’s “less of a woman” because of what the surgeon did to her.
And Heugene Murray’s encounter with the doctor cost him his leg, marriage and career as a professional bodybuilder.
The trio were among the 14 people who filed complaints against the plastic surgeon from Benoni, Gauteng, in 2013. The wheels of justice turned slowly – but last month, almost seven years later, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) banned Gordon from ever practising medicine again after finding him guilty of nine counts of negligence.
But for Myrna, Tanya and Heugene it isn’t enough. They say that since they first poured out their hearts to YOU about the trauma his disastrous cosmetic procedures caused them (YOU, 15 May 2014), Gordon carried on with his life as though nothing ever happened despite his suspension.
“During my court case with him he stated under oath that he was still performing Botox injections,” Myrna says. “My lawyer questioned him on why he was doing it when he was suspended. His reply was that, well, he still has to eat.”
Esta historia es de la edición 13 August 2020 de YOU South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición 13 August 2020 de YOU South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
OUR BRAVE LITTLE FIGHTER
Like her late sister, little Elana was born with a rare lung condition and can't breathe without a ventilator, but her parents are walking this familiar path with courage and hope
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
With his new film, The Fall Guy, Ryan Gosling put stunt doubles centre stage but how hard is it for a complete amateur to master the trade? Journalist Simon Usborne decided to find out
INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE
Irish writer Cecelia Ahern chats to YOU about writing her novels in longhand, her love of Lego and looking forward to her first wine-tasting in South Africa
THE KIDS ARE NOT OKAY
Something happened around 2010 that's had a huge impact on Gen Z, says a new book. It was the start of the phone-based childhood, and it's resulted in a rewiring of kids' brains - and a surge in depression and anxiety
HE'S ON THE BALL
Despite having no lower legs, -Grayton's prowess on the rugby field has made him a social media star
THIS ISN'T JUSTICE
A woman was shot dead by her fiancé, who said he thought she was an intruder. Now her family believe he got off lightly
THE BOSS IN CHARGE OF YOUR CROSS
As chief electoral officer of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo has his hands full these days!
HEARTBREAK AND HOPE
Relatives and loved ones share their stories as rescue efforts continue for the people still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in George
BLOOMING!
Shes adored by fans and loathed by haters, but like the character she plays in her new movie, Anne Hathaway says shes putting her own Joy first
SUSSEXES' AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Meghan and Harry took Nigeria by storm – but relations with the royal family remain icy