Britons are being warned against seeking cheap cosmetic surgery abroad by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Streeting expressed concern over the substandard care that some individuals may receive when opting for procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts (BBL) in countries like Turkey, where prices may seem too good to be true.
The recent case of Hayley Dowell, who tragically passed away after undergoing a BBL, liposuction, and tummy tuck in Turkey, highlights the risks associated with medical tourism for aesthetic treatments. Streeting emphasized the importance of carefully considering the potential consequences of opting for rock-bottom prices for cosmetic procedures, as injuries could have long-lasting and life-changing effects.
To address these concerns, Streeting plans to collaborate with international organizations to enhance the safety and quality of care at hospitals and clinics catering to medical tourists. He stressed the need for the British public to be vigilant, conduct thorough research, and avoid offers that appear too good to be true.
NHS England’s national medical director, Prof Sir Stephen Powis, echoed Streeting’s sentiments, noting the strain that treating complications from botched cosmetic surgeries abroad places on the NHS. Powis emphasized the potentially fatal nature of procedures like BBLs and the financial burden they impose on taxpayers when the NHS is called upon to address the aftermath of such surgeries.
In response to the rising number of deaths related to cosmetic procedures overseas, the Royal College of Surgeons of England is organizing a summit to enhance patient safety. Prof Vivien Lees, a consultant plastic surgeon and the college’s vice-president, highlighted the need for government intervention to make the existing cosmetic surgery board certification scheme mandatory, providing patients with a clear guide to choosing approved cosmetic surgeons.
The statistics from the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons reveal that Turkey remains the top destination for Britons seeking cosmetic surgery abroad, followed by the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Tunisia. The deaths of individuals like Melissa Kerr, who lost her life during a BBL procedure in Turkey, underscore the urgency of addressing the risks associated with seeking cosmetic treatments overseas.
The government’s efforts to engage with international partners and improve regulations surrounding cosmetic surgery abroad are crucial steps in safeguarding the well-being of individuals considering such procedures. By raising awareness about the potential dangers of opting for cheap cosmetic surgery abroad, officials aim to protect British citizens from falling victim to substandard care and facing life-altering consequences.
