Luxury package holidays have taken on a whole new dimension for some people in recent years.
Five-star hotel accommodations, VIP airport transfers, and exclusive sightseeing tours are all pretty standard, but what if you add invasive surgery to the mix?
It may seem strange at first glance, but the reality is that medical tourism is on the rise.
Turkey, in particular, has become one of the world’s leading travel destinations. According to the Turkish state-run healthcare company USHAŞ, Turkey attracted 1,398,504 people seeking “medical services” last year alone.
© GettyMany people are jumping on the trend and considering combining sunbathing with surgery
Turkey ranks fifth in the world ranking of the total number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed in 2022, compiled by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. In Turkey alone, 470,875 procedures were performed, which means almost half a million operations.
Why are Brits flying to Turkey for plastic surgery?
So what’s the appeal? While there are many reasons to consider having surgery abroad, Turkey’s fundamental appeal appears to be its competitive prices. In fact, all of the plastic surgeons and aesthetic doctors who spoke on the subject in Hello! Fashion’s February digital edition highlighted low prices as a major draw.
price:
One notable aspect is that the private sector now plays a much larger role in Turkey’s healthcare system than before. The Turkish government has strategically fostered a boom by offering tax breaks and other business incentives to the healthcare industry, meaning Turkish clinics can provide treatment at a fraction of the cost they would in the UK.
Marketing and Social Media:
While the headlines deliver a certain shock value, it’s the details of patients’ first-hand experiences that are the real nightmares: the details of pain, rotting flesh, and even stories of patients waking up from procedures they never consented to – enough to turn even the most hardened person’s stomach in horror.
“Aesthetic goals should be based on personal needs and desires, not on trying to emulate someone else’s appearance.”
– Aftab Siddiqui, Plastic Surgeon.
But there’s a dichotomy in this story: horror stories are also viral, and social media bears a lot of the responsibility not just for spreading success stories, but also for setting beauty trends, with influencer-approved surgeries, post-op progress reports and dramatic before-and-after photos.
“The popularity of the ‘Instagram face’ – characterized by fuller lips, high cheekbones and a chiseled jawline – has influenced demand for lip and cheek fillers and jawline contouring procedures,” explains consultant plastic surgeon Aftab Siddiqui. Similarly, he notes that the “Kardashian effect” has popularised the desire for a “curvaceous figure”, spurring interest in Brazilian butt lifts and body contouring procedures.
“However, it is essential to approach social media with caution and speak to a qualified beauty professional before undergoing any treatment. […] Aesthetic goals should be based on personal needs and desires, not on trying to emulate someone else’s appearance.”
But of course, a keen awareness of what other people look like, and the ability to zoom in, is part of modern society.
And targeted advertising, slick testimonials and lavish packaging will no doubt help close the deal.
“Medical tourism marketing and promotional activities may encourage individuals to take risks by downplaying the risks and highlighting the success stories,” warns Dr Mahasa Salekhi, cosmetic physician and founder of SAS Aesthetics.
The possibility that a surgery may not go as planned or that post-operative complications may arise is always present no matter what country the surgery is performed in. But now, a case of a botched operation in Turkey is drawing attention.
Is it safe?
Data compiled by the British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons shows the number of people requiring inpatient treatment in the UK after undergoing cosmetic surgery abroad has increased by 94% over three years, with “more than three-quarters of these procedures being carried out in Turkey” in the six months to November 2023 alone.
© Vincent Besnault Many surgeons have spoken out publicly, highlighting the potential dangers of traveling to Turkey for surgery.
This worrying trend is also reflected in a Gov.uk webpage dedicated to travel advice for Turkey, which now reads in part: “The level of medical facilities and available treatment can vary significantly globally. We are aware of more than 25 UK nationals who have died after undergoing medical procedures in Turkey since January 2019. In February 2023, an outbreak of botulism was reported linked to weight loss treatments in Istanbul and Izmir.”
While this may seem worrying, many prospective patients considering combining surgery with sunbathing still choose to undergo the procedure, despite the potential risks. “The UK’s strict regulations ensure the highest standards of surgical tools, medicines and medical equipment, and ensure that there are well-trained and qualified medical staff,” says Dr Omar Tilo, plastic surgeon and medical director at Cleo Clinic. “However, in destinations without such regulations, there can be many risks associated with tools, equipment, staff and the ability of the healthcare system to respond to an emergency.”
What are the main risks?
If you’re considering having surgery abroad, it’s essential to do thorough research so you can make an informed decision about whether to have the procedure done. Because healthcare systems, hygiene standards, and other medical regulations vary depending on the country you’re traveling to, plastic surgery consultant Aftab Siddiqui stresses the importance of checking that your chosen facility and surgeon meet “international standards of safety and quality.”
“To minimize the risk of disappointment, it’s important to have realistic expectations and thoroughly communicate your desired results to your surgeon.”
– Aftab Siddiqui, Plastic Surgeon
Post-operative care:
After surgery, patients need rest. Packages promising sunbathing, water activities or strenuous activity should ring alarm bells. Returning to your home country too soon after surgery can compromise your follow-up care plan, especially if complications arise.
trip:
Combining air travel with major surgery increases the risk of blood clots, which could be very serious, and the NHS website advises against flying for five to seven days after procedures such as breast surgery or liposuction, and seven to 10 days after facial cosmetic or abdominal surgery.
“Prolonged immobility or trauma from surgery can lead to the formation of deep vein thrombosis,” explains Siddiqui. “To reduce the risk of blood clots, it is essential that patients take necessary precautions such as wearing compression stockings, staying hydrated, and moving regularly during long flights.”
dissatisfaction:
Language barriers between patients and medical staff can not only negatively impact the overall safety of the surgery, but also patient satisfaction. “While many overseas surgeons are highly skilled and experienced, there is always the possibility of miscommunication or differences in aesthetic preferences,” says Siddiqui. “To minimize the risk of disappointment, it is important to have realistic expectations and thoroughly communicate your desired outcome to your surgeon.”
PS: Check out more exclusive stories from the Hello! Fashion Self Love issue here.