Health · Healthcare & Policy · 2 hrs ago
Experts warn of risks from overseas cosmetic surgery packages
Experts are warning people in Great Britain about risks of cosmetic surgery abroad, often marketed as a holiday package.
Travel can raise the risk of blood clots, and patients may have less access to in-person aftercare once they return home.
Complications can include severe infections, lasting damage and, in some cases, death; Brazilian butt lifts are described as having the highest risk of death.
The British College of Aesthetic Medicine has launched a checklist urging people to check a surgeon’s qualifications, nearby emergency facilities and insurance.
Legal claims can be difficult overseas, and compensation may be lower than in the UK.
About 524,000 Great Britain residents travelled abroad for medical treatment in 2024, up from 431,000 in 2023.
The checklist is intended to help people make safer choices before deciding whether to have a procedure abroad.
Experts are warning that overseas cosmetic surgery can lead to serious complications, including infections, disfigurement and death.
Nora Nugent, a consultant plastic surgeon, said risks can begin during travel and continue until a patient is fully healed.
The British College of Aesthetic Medicine has launched a checklist to help people assess overseas cosmetic surgery options.
Legal claims after procedures go wrong abroad can be difficult, and compensation may be lower than in the UK.
About 524,000 Great Britain residents travelled overseas for medical treatment in 2024, including cosmetic procedures, up from 431,000 in 2023.
- Who
- Experts including Nora Nugent and Chrissie Wolfe are warning people considering cosmetic surgery abroad.
- What
- They warn of medical and legal risks and recommend checking surgeons, emergency facilities and insurance.
- When
- The article was published on 5 November 2026. The checklist launch date is not stated.
- Where
- The warnings concern cosmetic surgery abroad, including in Turkey.
- Why
- Overseas procedures and travel can carry health risks, while aftercare and legal claims may be difficult.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
About 431,000 Great Britain residents travelled overseas for medical treatment, including cosmetic procedures.
About 524,000 Great Britain residents travelled overseas for medical treatment, including cosmetic procedures.
Then health secretary Wes Streeting urged caution over overseas cosmetic surgery.
- Overseas medical treatment in 2023
- About 431,000 Great Britain residents
- Overseas medical treatment in 2024
- About 524,000 Great Britain residents
- Checklist
- Launched by the British College of Aesthetic Medicine
- Popular destination
- Turkey
- Article publication
- 5 November 2026
What people are saying
Actually, the risks start from the moment you step on the plane to after you return home, and until you’re fully healed and you’re out of the clotting risk time
But you can’t get things back to how they were
Turkey is the most popular destination by far for cosmetic surgery, but it is absolutely the most difficult from a legal perspective
When something goes wrong, it’s incredibly difficult to put right