Hordes of Brits dash over to Turkey each year, though not all visit the popular holiday destination for the same reason.
While some visit to enjoy the sun and sandy beaches, others opt for ‘cosmetic vacations’ and have medical procedures done while abroad.
More than 400,000 people living in Britain sought foreign medical care in 2023, according to government figures.
Reasons include the long wait times in the UK, as well as the high cost to go private.
Turkey has become a hotspot for such procedures, with many heading there for dental work and other forms of cosmetic surgery.
Areas including Antalya and Istanbul offer ‘medical tourism packages’ that promise patients airport transfers, hotel stays and transportation to appointments.
Trends like Turkey teeth are 40–60 per cent cheaper compared to having the procedure done in the UK, but experts warn it could be too good to be true.
The cheaper rates come with risks, cautioned Simon Hood, travel expert and executive director of John Mason International, which offers international removal services.
Hordes of Brits dash over to Turkey each year, though not all visit the popular holiday destination for the same reason (stock)
Hordes of Brits dash over to Turkey each year, though not all visit the popular holiday destination for the same reason
He said: ‘Turkey teeth procedures and other cosmetic work can be quite the risk.
‘We’ve all seen the glossy videos on social media with TikTokers promoting practices during the summer, but you need to double-check the practice you’re planning on attending is board-certified.’
The expert explained how medical regulations differ between countries, and encouraged people to look for practices having recognition from international organisations.
Mr Hood added: ‘In Turkey, regulations vary slightly from the UK, but any practice or clinic can be recognised by international organisations like the Joint Commission International, or JCI.
‘Having this recognition can help assure you that your deal is both safe and indeed a bargain.’
The expert also recommended whether the surgeons have membership of the Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, or TSPRAS for short.
It isn’t uncommon for procedures abroad to go wrong, recent numbers from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons found over 300 Brits were requiring corrective surgery.
Areas including Antalya and Istanbul offer ‘medical tourism packages’ that promise patients airport transfers, hotel stays and transportation to appointments
The cheaper rates come with risks, cautioned travel expert and executive director of John Mason International, Simon Hood
Mr Hood added how ‘underground medical tourism’ was prominent in the country.
He urged people to research before heading abroad for surgical procedures.
The expert said: ‘Turkey is notorious for its underground medical tourism, with people flocking in hope of getting a quick and cheap deal.
‘But it doesn’t work like that; cheap cosmetic work could result in serious issues.”
