In a landmark decision, the UK has imposed a ban on advertising from three Turkish cosmetic surgery clinics. Noted plastic surgeon and President of The Confederation of British Surgery, Mark Henley, highlighted the problematic nature of these ads, stating they “trivialise” the critical decision to undergo surgery.
The ban, which applies to ads that previously appeared on Facebook, comes in the wake of increased concerns that the public is not fully aware of the risks tied to seeking surgical procedures overseas. This move, coupled with Henley’s commentary, warrants an in-depth look into the issues surrounding medical tourism, particularly in countries like Turkey.
The Disturbing Trend of Failed Procedures
The narrative around Turkish cosmetic surgery clinics has been increasingly marred by horror stories of procedures gone awry. Whether it’s unlicensed surgeons, subpar medical facilities, or post-operative care that fails to meet essential health standards, the risks are manifold. While it’s essential to recognize that not all overseas clinics fall into this category, the recurring reports of life-threatening complications, severe infections, and even death cannot be ignored.
These events offer a grim testament to the importance of thorough due diligence before opting for surgery in a foreign country. Simply put, the reduced cost of the procedure may not be worth the risks involved.
Adverts promoting surgery at three cosmetic clinics in Turkey have been banned in the UK for “trivialising” the decision to have surgery https://t.co/HfvE6JN7ll #cosmeticsurgery #medicaltourism pic.twitter.com/HT0KU5t2PY
— Mark Henley (@MrMarkHenley) October 4, 2023
Apathy, Accountability, and Regulatory Gaps
Despite the concerning trend, there seems to be a lack of accountability from some of these Turkish clinics. AsproMed and Erdem clinics have not even responded to the Advertising Standards Authority’s (ASA) investigations into their advertising practices. ClinicHaus Health, another clinic under scrutiny, deflected responsibility by stating it possesses legal certification from the Turkish government and occasionally offers seasonal deals as part of the broader medical tourism industry.
This apathy is alarming, especially given the tragic case of a British woman who lost her life after undergoing a ‘Brazilian butt lift‘ procedure in Turkey last year. A coroner has since expressed intentions to address the government, emphasizing that there is a pressing need to make the public more aware of the inherent risks of surgery overseas.
The decision to ban advertising from certain Turkish cosmetic surgery clinics is a significant step towards curbing irresponsible medical tourism. However, this action is merely the tip of the iceberg. There needs to be a collective effort—from governments, medical professionals, and watchdog organizations—to educate the public about the potential dangers and to hold irresponsible clinics accountable.
As Mark Henley rightly points out, the decision to undergo surgery should never be trivialized, particularly when it involves travelling to a foreign country where regulatory oversight may be lacking or inconsistent. The superficial allure of lower costs should never outweigh the substantive risks to one’s health and well-being.
