A British woman has died following a Brazilian butt lift operation in Turkey, an inquest heard.
Turkey has become a hotspot for those looking for cosmetic enhancements, serving as a cheaper alternatives to clinics in the UK, even with flight costs included.
However, with the influx of patients travelling to clinics across the country, a number of horror stories have emerged of people dying following their procedures, while others had to deal with post-operation injuries in recovery.
Unfortunately, it looks like the trend is continuing.
Advert
Hayley Dowell made the journey to Turkey to get a number of cosmetic procedures, the Mirror reports.
The 38-year-old booked herself into the BHT Clinic in Istanbul on 2 October last year to get a BBL, liposuction and a tummy tuck, paying over £7,000 for the procedures.
However, the operation went wrong, as the woman died at 'around midnight' on 3 October after suffering an embolism, an issue that can occur after surgery that causes a blood flow blockage that could prove to be fatal.
Hayley's husband, Neil Dowell, had flown to Turkey with his wife on 1 October, and claimed that she had not been properly warned of the risks by doctors at the clinic.
Advert
Originally from Eastleigh, Hayley is not believed to be the only Brit to have died in Turkey in 2023 following botched medical procedures.
UK health officials have also warned Brits that plan to fly over for cosmetic work of the potential risks.
Neil explained: "We found a surgeon that had a clinic named after himself. He was one of the (top five) surgeons in Turkey."
He added that his wife 'only consented to two' of the operations that took place last October, saying that no risks were explained to her.
Advert
Hayley's mother echoed these thoughts, claiming that she 'would not have known the risks' of at least one operation, only consenting to two of them.
Another red flag was pointed out by Neil, who said that the six hour operation 'wound down to one hour 45 [minutes]' in the end.
"The surgeon left halfway through the operation and left the anaesthetist to do the job. You can't do both at the same time," he said.
The husband also shockingly revealed: "They asked me to sign the consent form after she passed away, after the BBL."
Advert
In January, a full inquest is set to take place, with coroner Nicholas Walker conducting a full investigation into the information that Hayley received, as well as the circumstances behind her passing.
On BHT Clinic's official website, they say that they have 'the technological infrastructure and equipment' that only a 'limited number' of medical centres in the world boast.
It also states that they apply 'patient and employee safety in international quality standards based on ethical principles' with medical procedures.
The clinic did not send any representatives to be present at the hearing, nor is it known if they will have one present at the full inquest next year.
Medical tourism website Bookimed reveals the full price of a 'Premium Liposuction with Tummy Tuck and BBL All Included' for the equivalent of about £7,300.
Advert
According to the Foreign Office website, six Brits died in Turkey in 2023 after medical procedures, while 2019-2022 saw 17 Brits perish after medical visits.
Joshua Nair