For some, luxury package travel has taken on a whole new dimension in recent years.
Five-star hotel stays, VIP airport transfers, and luxury sightseeing tours are all standard, but add invasive surgical procedures to the mix? Let’s press pause now.
Although it may seem strange at first glance, medical tourism is actually on the rise.
Turkey in particular has established itself as one of the world’s leading destinations. According to Turkey’s state-run medical company USHAŞ, 1,398,504 people visited the country for “medical services” last year alone.
Many people are jumping on board with this trend and trying to combine sunlight and surgery.
Turkey ranks fifth in a world ranking compiled by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery detailing the total number of cosmetic surgeries performed in 2022. This equates to a staggering 470,875 surgeries in Turkey alone, or nearly 500,000 surgeries.
Why do Brits fly to Turkey for plastic surgery?
So what’s its appeal? There are many reasons why someone would consider attacking abroad, but Turkey’s fundamental appeal appears to be its competitive pricing. In fact, all the plastic surgeons and aesthetic doctors who discussed this topic on Hello! February’s fashion digital issue highlighted low cost as a major attraction.
price:
One thing to note is that the private sector is playing a much stronger role in Turkey’s health care system than before. Coupled with the fact that the country’s government has strategically reinforced the boom by providing business incentives such as tax breaks to the medical industry, this has resulted in Turkish clinics offering surgeries for a fraction of the price they cost in the UK. Now available.
Marketing and social media:
Punchy headlines can create a certain shock factor, but it’s the details of some patients’ first-hand reports that are truly nightmarish. The details of agonizing pain, rotting flesh, and people even waking up from surgeries they didn’t consent to are enough to turn even the most steely of stomachs upside down in horror.
“Aesthetic goals should be based on personal needs and desires, rather than imitating someone else’s appearance.”
– Aftab Siddiqui, plastic surgeon.
However, there is a dichotomy within the story. Apart from fear, there are also topics to talk about. And social media is full of answers, not only when it comes to influencer-approved success stories like surgical procedures, personal post-ops, and dramatic before-and-after photos, but also when it comes to pioneering aesthetic trends. there is.
“The trend of the ‘Instagram face’, characterized by fuller lips, high cheekbones and a chiseled jawline, is impacting demand for lip fillers, cheek fillers and jaw contouring procedures,” says the consultant. explains plastic surgeon Aftab Siddiqui. Similarly, he cites the “Kardashian effect” as spreading the desire for “curvier figures” and spurring interest in Brazilian butt lifts and body contouring procedures.
“However, it is important to use caution on social media and consult a qualified beauty professional before undergoing any procedures.” […] Aesthetic goals should be based on personal needs and desires, rather than trying to replicate someone else’s appearance. ”
But of course, the ability to be acutely aware of what other people look like and zoom in even further is part of the modern world.
And there’s no doubt that targeted advertising, clever testimonials, and luxury packaging help make the deal a success.
“Medical tourism industry marketing and promotional efforts downplay risks, emphasize success stories, and can lead individuals to take risks,” says Martha, a cosmetic doctor and founder of SAS Aesthetics. Dr. Saleki warns.
Regardless of the country in which the surgery is performed, there is always a chance that the surgery may not go as planned or that complications may occur post-operatively. But now, more and more people are paying attention to the failed surgery in Turkey.
Is it safe?
Data compiled by the British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons shows that the number of people who have undergone cosmetic surgery abroad and require hospital treatment in the UK has increased by 94 per cent in three years, with “surgeries performed in Turkey for more than three years.” In her six months alone, ending in November 2023, she increased by a quarter of that.
Many surgeons have spoken out publicly, highlighting the potential risks of traveling to Turkey for surgery
This worrying trend is also reflected in a UK government webpage dedicated to advice on traveling to Turkey, which now reads in part: ‘The standard of medical facilities and… Available treatments can vary widely around the world. We know that more than 25 British nationals have died in Turkey and have received medical treatment since January 2019. , an outbreak of botulism associated with weight loss treatments in Istanbul and Izmir was reported in February 2023.
While that may seem like a concern, many prospective patients considering surgery and solar therapy choose to proceed anyway, despite the potential risks. Dr Omar Tiro, plastic surgeon and medical director at CreoClinic, said: ‘The UK’s strict regulations ensure the highest standards of surgical instruments, medicines and medical equipment, as well as well-trained and licensed medical staff. “It has been done,” he said. “However, destinations without such regulations can present many risks related to equipment, equipment, staff, and the ability of the health system to respond to emergencies.”
What are the main risks?
If you are considering having surgery abroad, it is essential that you do thorough research to make an informed decision about whether or not to undergo surgery. As healthcare systems, hygiene standards and other medical regulations vary by destination country, consultant plastic surgeon Aftab Siddiqui makes sure that the facility and surgeon you choose meet “international standards of safety and quality.” It emphasizes the importance of checking.
“It’s important to have realistic expectations and thoroughly communicate your desired results to your surgeon to minimize the risk of disappointment.”
– Aftab Siddiqui, plastic surgeon
Post-operative care:
After surgery, patients need rest. Packages that promise sunbathing, water activities, or other strenuous activities should set off alarm bells. Returning to your home country soon after surgery compromises your subsequent care plan, especially if complications occur.
trip:
Air travel combined with major surgery increases the risk of blood clots, which can be very serious. The NHS website advises people not to fly for five to seven days after surgery such as breast surgery or liposuction, and for seven to 10 days after facial surgery or a tummy tuck.
“Prolonged periods of immobility or surgical trauma can contribute to the formation of deep vein thrombosis,” Siddiqui explains. “It is essential that patients take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of blood clots, such as wearing compression stockings, staying hydrated and moving around regularly during long flights.”
dissatisfaction:
Language barriers between patients and medical staff can negatively impact the overall safety of the procedure, but can also impact patient satisfaction. “Many overseas surgeons are highly skilled and experienced, but there is always the possibility of misunderstandings and differences in aesthetic preferences,” Siddiqui says. “It’s important to have realistic expectations and thoroughly communicate your desired results to your surgeon to minimize the risk of disappointment.”
PS: See more exclusive stories from Hello! Self-love issues in fashion here.
