Britons jetting off to Turkey told to ‘think very carefully’ in latest travel warning over ‘attractive prices’
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has issued a stark warning to Britons about the dangers of cut-price cosmetic surgery abroad, following multiple deaths in Turkey.
At least six British nationals died in Turkey during 2023 after travelling for medical procedures, prompting urgent calls for improved safety measures.
Streeting urged British travellers to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, warning of potentially life-changing consequences.
“Think very carefully before flying overseas, paying what looks like a kind of rock bottom attractive price,” the Health Secretary said.
He pledged to work with international partners to improve safety for Britons seeking cosmetic procedures abroad.
Among the recent casualties was Kaydell Brown, 38, from Sheffield, who died after entering surgery on March 26 this year.
Isabella Crawford, 20, described nearly dying after flying home with blood pouring from open wounds following multiple procedures in Turkey.
Hayley Dowell, 38, died after complications from a Brazilian butt lift, while Janet Lynne Savage, 54, from Bangor, died during a gastric sleeve procedure.
Foreign Office data reveals that 28 British nationals have died in Turkey following planned surgery since 2019.
The UK Government has urged anyone considering medical procedures abroad to review official travel advice and NHS guidance.
The Foreign Office warns that medical facilities and treatments can vary significantly both globally and within countries.
The Royal College of Surgeons has announced an urgent meeting in early December to address the crisis of unsafe cosmetic surgery abroad.
Professor Vivien Lees said: “It is incredibly sad that lives are being lost to cut-price surgery abroad. Patients deserve better protection through tighter regulation and education.”
The meeting will include representatives from NHS England, advertising authorities, and foreign embassies.
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NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis warned that the health service should not be left to “pick up the pieces of botched BBLs”.
He emphasised that Brazilian butt lifts have the highest death rate of all cosmetic procedures, with “dodgy tweakments” leaving the NHS to repair the damage at taxpayers’ expense.
“I’d urge anyone considering a BBL to think twice before taking up an offer that seems too good to be true,” Professor Powis added.