Britons travelling abroad for cut-price cosmetic and obesity surgery are returning with life-threatening complications, costing the National Health Service tens of thousands of pounds per patient and, in tragic cases, costing lives.
The High Human and Financial Cost to the NHS
A stark new study published in the British Medical Journal has laid bare the severe consequences of medical tourism. The research, led by Dr Clare England of Health Technology Wales, analysed NHS treatment for complications arising from procedures performed overseas.
The data shows the NHS spent between £1,058 and £19,549 per patient to treat infections, sepsis, and organ failure following surgeries like tummy tucks, Brazilian butt lifts, breast enlargements, and gastric sleeve operations. In total, 655 patients were treated between 2011 and 2024, with 90% being women and an average age of 38.
Turkey was the most common destination, accounting for 61% of cases. Foreign Office figures cited in the report state that six Britons died in Turkey in 2024 following medical procedures, with at least six more dying there the previous year.
Tragic Cases Highlight Extreme Dangers
The research underscores the ultimate price some patients pay. It details several fatalities, including Kaydell Brown, 38, from Sheffield, who died in 2024 after undergoing multiple procedures.
Hayley Dowell, 38, suffered fatal medical complications after a Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck and liposuction in Turkey in October 2023. Janet Lynne Savage, 54, from Bangor, died from major artery trauma during a gastric sleeve procedure in Turkey in 2023.
In another case, Anne Towlson, 58, was found dead at home after travelling to Turkey in April 2024 for surgery, with open wounds to her armpits and triceps.
Calls for Action and Official Warnings
Dr England's team concluded that "awareness-raising campaigns and interventions are warranted" to inform the public of the severe risks. They are also calling for systematic NHS data collection on all follow-up care for overseas operations to understand the full scale of the problem.
The UK government has issued strong warnings. Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged Britons in 2024 to think "very carefully" about offers that seem "too good to be true". While affirming the NHS would not turn away those in need, he stressed this was "another pressure the NHS doesn't need".
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government has launched a drive to "crack down on dangerous medical tourism" and is engaging with overseas governments on patient safety, with updated guidance due soon.
The report serves as a grim reminder that the pursuit of cheap surgery abroad can lead to catastrophic health outcomes and place a significant, avoidable burden on the UK's health service.
