Cosmetic Surgery in Turkey vs. the UK: Costs, Risks & Safety Concerns

Medical tourism is on the rise, with the number of Brits choosing to have cosmetic surgery in Turkey and other far-flung destinations soaring over the last few years. We understand why some patients consider cosmetic surgery abroad, given that it can be half the price of the UK, but those savings don’t come for free.

The risks and safety concerns are far greater when having plastic surgery abroad, and the picture that’s often painted of lounging on the beach or sipping cocktails by the pool during your post-operative recovery is a long way from reality.

If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure in the near future, we know the savings might be tempting, but is it safe to get plastic surgery abroad? We look at the risks associated with plastic surgery packages in Turkey and explain why the procedures are often so cheap.

Why do people choose to have cosmetic surgery abroad?

Britons are increasingly choosing to have all kinds of cosmetic procedures abroad, from liposuction and tummy tuck surgery to rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. Here are a few reasons why travelling to countries like Turkey, Greece, Thailand, and the Czech Republic may seem like a good idea.

Cost – The primary reason for most patients is cost, with cosmetic surgery in some countries typically being 40-60% cheaper than in the UK.
Social media – The widespread use of social media has brought cosmetic procedures into the mainstream, with some people feeling pressure to look a certain way. That has driven up demand for procedures that not everyone can easily afford.
Ease and price of travel – International travel is easier and more affordable than ever before, with patients able to fly to Turkey and other countries in a few hours and at a low cost.

The online marketplace – The internet has made it easy for foreign clinics to advertise to British consumers. Now, patients can arrange plastic surgery abroad from the comfort of their homes.

Why is Turkey a popular destination for cosmetic procedures?

Turkey has emerged as one of the most popular cosmetic surgery destinations. From 2015 to 2024, online searches for ‘cosmetic surgery Turkey’ in the UK rose by over 1,000%. However, it’s not only people from the UK who are travelling to Turkey for plastic surgery. It received over 1.2 million medical tourists in 2022, and its popularity has become so great that some Turkish clinics are now expanding into Europe and across the UK.

According to 2022 figures, the most popular cosmetic procedures in Turkey are:

Liposuction (64,000 procedures)
Rhinoplasty (56,000 procedures)
Breast augmentation (55,000 procedures)
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery (42,000 procedures)

These are all very popular procedures among British patients, and with prices that are typically around 50% less than in the UK, travelling to Turkey can be an attractive alternative.

As well as the low prices, there are several other reasons why Turkey has become a leading destination for cosmetic treatments:

Highly trained surgeons – Many Turkish surgeons are highly trained and have years of experience performing cosmetic surgeries. However, Turkey is not part of the EU and medical standards are not as highly regulated as in some European countries, including the UK.
All-inclusive packages – Some Turkish clinics offer all-inclusive plastic surgery packages that include the cost of flights, accommodation and the procedure. While that can simplify the process, you should always be wary of this type of deal, specifically where the procedure is marketed as part of a holiday.
The destination – In theory, what could be better than combining a cosmetic procedure with some sun and a holiday in an exotic destination? The reality, however, is usually far different. While you can enjoy a holiday before the procedure, after your surgery, you must stay out of the sun and away from the water, and alcohol is to be avoided. You’re also likely to be swollen and in discomfort, particularly in the first few days. Realistically, you’ll spend your post-operative recovery lying in your hotel room or, at best, sitting in the shade.

Things to consider if you plan to have plastic surgery abroad

If you are considering having cosmetic surgery abroad, always do your research before travelling and think carefully about why you want the procedure and whether the risks are worth it. It’s often the case that Britons who travel abroad for surgery do not receive the care they would expect in the UK.

Do your research

The NHS advises all patients to research the surgeon and the clinic before committing. In the UK, we have stringent rules and regulations around cosmetic surgery, and all surgeons must adhere to specific guidelines and have relevant qualifications. In other countries, the regulations and expectations around the qualifications and experience of the surgeons are different.

Before you book anything, you should also have a full consultation with the surgeon rather than just a salesperson and ask for the details of other British patients they have treated so you can contact them for firsthand feedback.

Know what is and isn’t included in the price

Make sure you understand exactly what is included in the cost of the treatment. When you have plastic surgery in the UK, you typically receive more than just the procedure. At Enhance Medical, the price you pay includes pre-op and post-op appointments, aftercare, all your medication, a warranty and insurance.

When travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery, there’s often no aftercare, and you may also have to pay for your flights, accommodation and medical insurance. If aftercare and follow-up appointments are included in the price, think about where that service will take place and how you’ll access it.

Think about what happens if something goes wrong

When you travel abroad for cosmetic surgery, there’s an increased risk of complications due to infections, ineffective treatment and a lack of aftercare. There’s often little prospect of follow-up care and advice and no one to turn to if you’re unhappy with the results a few weeks or months down the line and need further treatment. Many countries also don’t have free emergency healthcare, which could leave you with a huge bill.

What are the risks of having cosmetic surgery abroad?

According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), 78% of the corrective operations that cosmetic surgeons in the UK perform are to fix complications from treatments undertaken in Turkey. In fact, Turkey is the worst offender for botched cosmetic procedures.

The UK Foreign Office reports that since 2019, 25 British nationals have died after having plastic surgery in Turkey, and there were six fatalities due to medical tourism in 2023 alone.

There are several reasons for the high level of risk associated with cosmetic procedures in Turkey and in many other countries around the world, including:

Surgical standards – The standard of medical facilities and surgical skills, qualifications and experience varies widely. The lack of regulations means you can never be sure just how capable your surgeon is.
Complications – The risk of wound healing problems, infections, unnecessary or ineffective treatment and emergency operations is higher when you travel abroad for surgery. According to BAAPS, the number of UK residents requiring hospital treatment after cosmetic surgery abroad rose by 94% in the four years to 2022.
Follow-up care – Turkey plastic surgery packages rarely include follow-up care or advice. Once you travel home, most Turkish clinics do not have a presence in the UK, leaving patients with little or no recourse or assistance if anything goes wrong.
A lack of in-person consultations – Due to the physical distance, most pre-operative consultations with the surgeon are conducted online. That makes it almost impossible for the surgeon to get a true sense of the patient’s needs, size, overall health and body makeup.

How much does cosmetic surgery in Turkey cost?

The most popular cosmetic procedure in the UK is breast augmentation, which uses implants to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. At Enhance Medical, breast augmentation costs from £4,595. That price includes a Mentor Implant warranty, 12 months of aftercare appointments, all prescribed medications, unlimited wound care and surgeon reviews, and 24/7 nurse care and phone calls. Finance packages are also available so you can spread the cost over time.

A quick online search reveals a breast augmentation in Turkey for £2,800, including flights and accommodation. However, there’s no mention of aftercare in that package, which increases the risk of complications. The clinic also has no presence in the UK, so if you are dissatisfied with the result, aside from flying back out to Turkey, there’s very little you can do.

Safe, Affordable and High-Quality Cosmetic Surgery with Enhance Medical

Ultimately, when deciding whether to have cosmetic surgery in Turkey or the UK, you must ask yourself: ‘Is a relatively small saving worth the extra risk to your health and the increased likelihood of ending up with a result you’re not completely satisfied with?’

At Enhance Medical, our GMC-registered and licensed surgeons are all specialists in their chosen procedures. Those procedures are performed in state-of-the-art clinics where you receive the best possible standard of care. And, in the unlikely event of an issue, our experienced surgeons and nurses are available 24/7 for complete peace of mind. Read about our patients’ experiences, call 0808 134 9489 with any questions and book your free consultation to start your journey.

Posted on 8th November 20248th November 2024 Posted in General