A husband has told of his "horror" after a Bromsgrove plastic surgeon said his wife could have cancer.
The bombshell in a phone conversation was after the mans 50-year-old wife underwent cosmetic surgery by consultant surgeon Paul Levick at the Priory Hospital, in Birmingham, as a birthday present.
Within weeks of having the treatment in July 2000, the mother of five was back in theatre to have pints of fluid drained from her swollen stomach.
The General Medical Council in Manchester has heard how, six months later, Mrs A was still suffering pain and discomfort.
Mr Levick, of Walnut Lane, Bromsgrove, denies serious professional misconduct.
In a bid to find out the severity of her condition, Mrs As husband spoke to Mr Levick who allegedly told him his wifes pain and swelling was not because of her tummy tuck operation.
Giving evidence, Mr A said: I asked him what had gone wrong and he said it was not his surgery. There was something else, some underlying problems.
He said that I should arrange or take her to the doctor and have a scan to see what the problem could be.
He said she could have some internal problem and he mentioned to be prepared for the worst, you have a young family, it could be cancer.
The hearing was told that Mrs A subsequently had scans which caused her further discomfort.
Mr A said he was not too keen on his wife having the surgery in the first place. I think she expected to have a nice flat stomach, he said.
Mr Levicks treatment was alleged to have been inappropriate and falling seriously below a reasonable standard.
