A 'bubbly' mother of two from Northampton died from complications just two days after undergoing cosmetic surgery in Turkey, a coroner's court has heard.
Fatal Procedures in Istanbul
Sophie Hunt, aged 34, travelled to the private Nisantasi Hospital in Istanbul where she had an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction, often referred to as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), on 7 March 2022.
Shortly after the procedures, her health deteriorated rapidly. She suffered multi-organ failure and went into cardiac arrest three times before her death.
Family's Concerns and Medical Evidence
In a statement read to the Northampton inquest, Ms Hunt's mother, Sandra, said her daughter lost consciousness after surgery and suffered significant swelling. She revealed that hospital paperwork showed some of Sophie's ECG readings indicated an abnormal heartbeat, a condition her daughter was told was not healthy.
'We believe she was not fit for the surgery,' Sandra Hunt's statement said. She also expressed concerns that a complication from the BBL, such as too much fat being injected or removed, may have occurred.
The inquest was told that a post-mortem examination in the UK, carried out by consultant histopathologist Professor Kevin West, concluded Ms Hunt died due to complications of the surgery. A Turkish report from the Council of Forensic Medicine also stated she died as a result of the abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures and subsequent complications.
Limits of the Inquest and a Family's Loss
Assistant coroner Sophie Lomas recorded a narrative conclusion, stating: 'Sophie Hunt died due to complications of a surgical procedure carried out whilst abroad.'
Ms Lomas explained that because the death occurred in another country, she did not have jurisdiction to fully investigate the hospital's actions. 'I have to reach the findings on the information I do have,' she told the court.
Paying tribute, Sandra Hunt described her daughter as 'outgoing, bubbly and very kind'. Sophie, who worked as a chef, enjoyed cooking and music.
The tragic case highlights the severe risks associated with cosmetic surgery abroad, where aftercare and patient suitability assessments can fall outside UK regulatory oversight.
