Risks of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism in Turkey

Several British women have suffered fatal outcomes or life-threatening complications after traveling to Turkey for cosmetic procedures [1, 2, 3]. These incidents have prompted renewed warnings from UK health officials regarding the risks associated with elective surgery abroad [1, 3].

Key takeaways

• At least six British citizens died in Turkey following medical procedures in 2023 [3].
• Patients have reported severe complications, including necrotising fasciitis, sepsis, and organ failure after cosmetic operations [2].
• Families of deceased patients have raised concerns about a lack of informed consent and inadequate communication regarding surgical risks [1, 3].
• UK government officials urge individuals to research clinicians and regulations thoroughly before seeking medical treatment in other countries [1, 3].

Fatal outcomes and medical complications

In April 2025, 30-year-old Ruby Khan died after experiencing a heart rate spike during liposuction and a tummy tuck at the Medical Point hospital in Izmir [1]. An inquest determined her cause of death to be a fatal cardiac arrhythmia [1]. This follows the 2023 death of 38-year-old Hayley Dowell, who died after a Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction at the BHT Clinic in Istanbul [3]. Her husband, Neil Dowell, alleged that the surgeon left the operation halfway through, leaving the anaesthetist to continue the procedure [3].

Other patients have faced long-term physical and mental trauma. Carrie, a 36-year-old from Berkshire, underwent a £4,500 tummy tuck in Istanbul in 2022 that resulted in necrotising fasciitis, a rare flesh-eating disease [2]. After returning to the UK, she required five emergency surgeries in 12 days to treat sepsis and organ failure, ultimately losing half of her stomach tissue [2]. She reported that her initial experience included being asked to pay in cash at a public hospital rather than a private clinic, and hearing a baby crying in the next room while she was being anaesthetised [2].

Why it matters

The UK Foreign Office and the Department of Health and Social Care have expressed concern over the rising number of patients experiencing complications after traveling abroad for surgery [1, 3]. Officials emphasize that patients should be wary of websites that market cosmetic surgery as part of a holiday package [3]. The government continues to engage with Turkish authorities to improve patient safety, while advising anyone considering such procedures to consult with a UK-based clinician, check their insurance coverage, and review NHS guidance before making a decision [1, 3].