Groups unite to combat medical complications of cosmetic tourism

RCS England welcomes the UK government’s decision to work with international partners to try to improve safety for UK citizens travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery

Complications arising from cosmetic tourism – predominantly to Turkey – are causing concern.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson confirmed that the UK government has been “actively engaging” with Turkish counterparts on how to support the safety of patients who decide they wish to travel to the country for medical treatment.

They said: “We urge anyone considering a cosmetic procedure abroad to research the treatment in question, the qualifications of their clinician and the regulations that apply in the country they are travelling to, regardless of where any consultation takes place.”

It follows a study conducted by researchers from the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St Thomas’ Hospital, London into the experiences of 103 patients referred to the plastic surgery unit from 2012 to 2022 with complications arising from procedures performed overseas.

The most common surgeries included abdominoplasty (28%), breast augmentation (17%) and liposuction (13%). The complications most frequently encountered included wound issues, seromas (pockets of clear fluid) and infection-related complications.

Unsurprisingly, 66% of respondents stated they would not have made the same decision if given a second chance, with nearly half expressing outright regret. 

The study was awarded the Hackett Memorial Prize by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Nora Nugent, President of BAAPS said: “This research offers crucial insights that must inform future public health campaigns. Potential patients need to understand the risks involved with travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery, beyond just the financial savings.”

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) is concerned and recently “brought together representatives from the NHS, regulators and government” to discuss how to bring about changes in cosmetic tourism.

“[Improving safety for UK citizens having cosmetic surgery abroad] could include clamping down on aggressive marketing [and] promoting best practice…”

Professor Vivien Lee, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Vice President of RCS England said: “Sadly, we are hearing all too often about patients seeking cut-price surgery abroad only to pay the true price later with their health. These patients deserve better protection.

“It’s welcome news that the government has said it will work with international partners to try to improve safety for UK citizens going abroad for cosmetic surgery. Achieving this will need a multifaceted approach. This could include clamping down on aggressive marketing, promoting best practice and introducing proper insurance and after care for patients who need revision surgery.”

It’s not only treatments abroad that are causing concern, however. Victor Ktorakis, CIEH expert member, has been the lead for Special Treatments Licensing for the London Borough of Enfield for 17 years and Co-chairs the London Special Treatments Working Group.

Ktorakis pointed out that CIEH has long called for better regulation of cosmetic treatments in the UK. He said: “The DHSC held a consultation on the proposed new licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England last year. 

“We believe that its scope should be extended to include all the non-surgical cosmetic procedures that are subject to registration under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, which would mean including tattooing, piercing and electrolysis.”

Ktorakis also “warmly welcomed” the new mandatory licensing scheme for special procedures in Wales.