Tragic Death After Cosmetic Surgery in Istanbul
A British man has tragically died after travelling to Turkey for a combined dental procedure and hair transplant, with his family describing him as "the smile that warmed us" in an emotional tribute.
Mentor Rama, 36, flew to Istanbul last week for the cosmetic treatments that have become increasingly popular with Britons seeking more affordable prices. The journey ended in tragedy when he began feeling unwell shortly after returning to his hotel room following the procedures.
Emergency Response and Investigation Launched
Emergency services were quickly alerted to Mr Rama's deteriorating condition and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Despite medical intervention, he was pronounced dead on November 11.
Turkish authorities have since launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Mr Rama's body was initially transferred to the Council of Forensic Medicine in Istanbul before being handed over to his grieving family and repatriated to the UK.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed: "We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities."
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute to 'Their Light'
In a moving Facebook post translated from Albanian, a family member expressed profound grief, writing: "My heart is heavier than ever. Your departure has left a void that nothing in this world can fill."
The tribute continued: "You were our light, the smile that warmed us, the strength that lifted us up every time we fell. The pain is so endless when I think that I will never see you again, I will never hear your voice or your laughter that made us all happy."
The post concluded with a prayer for his soul to "rest in peace and find a place in heaven, where neither pain nor sadness exists."
The Growing Risks of Medical Tourism
Turkey has become a major destination for British medical tourists seeking cosmetic procedures at significantly lower costs. So-called "Turkey teeth" typically cost 40 to 60 per cent less than equivalent dental work in the UK.
However, this tragedy highlights the potential dangers of travelling abroad for surgery. According to Foreign Office statistics, at least 28 British nationals have died in Turkey following elective procedures between March 2019 and March 2024.
Many UK dentists have repeatedly warned against travelling to Turkey for dental work, citing concerns about potential complications and aftercare. The industry has become known for offering comprehensive "medical tourism packages" that bundle procedures with accommodation.
As investigations continue into Mentor Rama's untimely death, his family and friends are left mourning a man they describe as their source of light and strength.
