The death of 38-year-old Hayley Dowell during cosmetic surgery at Istanbul’s BHT Clinic has highlighted alarming concerns about the safety of medical tourism. Conformable Daily Mail, On 2 October 2023, Ms Dowell underwent a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), tummy tuck and liposuction, but tragically died just hours later at around midnight on 3 October.

Her husband Neil Dowell testified at Winchester Coroner’s Court that what was supposed to be a six-hour operation was shockingly completed in just one hour and forty-five minutes. He claimed the surgeon left halfway through the procedure, leaving the anesthetist to continue. “You can’t do both at the same time,” Mr. Dowell noted. Adding to the controversy, he revealed that Ms Dowell only consented to two of the three surgeries carried out, declaring: “She would never have agreed to the risks associated with this triple procedure.”

Coroner Nicholas Walker confirmed plans for a full inquest into Ms Dowell’s death. Conformable Daily Mail, the investigation will examine the clinic’s practices, including the adequacy of patient consent and information. The coroner also plans to issue a prevent future deaths report to address systemic failures and prevent future tragedies.

Death toll rising among British patients

Ms Dowell is one of at least 28 British nationals who died in Turkey during cosmetic surgery in 2019. Another victim, Janet Savage, 54, from Bangor, Gwynedd, died of complications from a gastric sleeve operation at Ozel Rich Hospital in Antalya. . Savage’s aortic artery was ruptured during the procedure, causing her to bleed to death on August 6, 2023.

Savage reportedly paid £2,750 (about $3,450) for the operation, which also covered her flights – far less than the £5,000-15,000 ($6,300-$18,800) charged in the UK. Her tragic story underscores the risks of prioritizing accessibility over safety.

Why Turkey attracts British patients

The cosmetic surgery industry in Turkey has become a global hub, attracting thousands of patients annually with its competitive prices. That Daily Mail notes, procedures such as BBL and rhinoplasty are advertised for as little as £1,500 ($1,880) to £2,000 ($2,500), while similar operations in the UK start at £7,000 ($8,800). Tummy tucks cost around £2,500 ($3,150) in Turkey, compared to over £10,000 ($12,600) in the UK.

Many Turkish clinics, including BHT Clinic, offer packages that cover accommodation, flights and VIP transportation, further enticing patients. The clinic claims to operate with “advanced technological infrastructure” and promises international ethical standards. However, experts say these claims don’t always translate into safe practices.

Safety concerns and questionable practices

Consultant plastic surgeon Charles Durrant explained that lower costs often come at the expense of critical safety measures. “The high costs in the UK reflect comprehensive insurance coverage, ensuring patient safety and care,” he said. In contrast, Turkish clinics frequently operate with outdated equipment, provide inadequate follow-up care, and offer insufficient insurance coverage.

Procedures abroad often lead to complications, requiring corrective treatment on return to the UK. Dr Rajan Uppal, another leading plastic surgeon, warned that the pressure on the NHS was immense, costing the service £94m ($118m) a year to deal with botched operations. He criticized the growing “insurance policy mentality” among patients seeking risky operations abroad, assuming the NHS would cover any resulting problems. “This practice undermines the health system and puts unnecessary strain on already stretched resources,” said Dr. Uppal.

It demands greater responsibility

Experts call for stricter regulations on cosmetic tourism and improved patient education. “Patients need to understand the true cost of these procedures – it’s not just financial; it’s about their health and safety,” Dr. Uppal emphasized in his statement to Daily Mail.

With the inquest into Ms Dowell’s death scheduled for January, her case serves as a stark warning. While the promise of saving thousands of pounds may sound appealing, the hidden risks of medical tourism often lead to devastating consequences, leaving families with heartache and unanswered questions.