Britons are revealing their reasons for traveling to Turkey to undergo various cosmetic procedures, ranging from breast enhancements to dental work.
The Mirror interviewed a group of eight friends from Bournemouth who had all made the journey to Istanbul after saving up to receive new “Turkey teeth.”
One of the interviewees, Lidz Jolly, aged 52, shared her experience, stating, “I only had two molars left for chewing, and they didn’t align properly. I’ve had them removed and plan to return in three or four months to complete the procedure, depending on when I’ve saved enough money.”
Among the group of holidaymakers, some had already undergone the initial extraction of teeth and were awaiting the second phase of the operation to have new veneers or full artificial teeth attached to the existing pegs.
Paul Moss, aged 53, had traveled for five veneers and implants, costing £4,500. He expressed, “I had the implants done last night, but I couldn’t afford such treatments in England.”
Another individual, Jody Hall, aged 45, had paid £4,500 to finalize a full set of implants. He had initially traveled to Turkey 18 months ago and had to save up to complete the dental surgery. He explained, “I had my teeth extracted in another part of Turkey, and although I was supposed to return earlier, I didn’t have the funds at the time.”
Shazza Gibbons, aged 47, shared her motivation, stating, “I decided to join the trend and get my teeth done. It’s challenging to secure an appointment with an NHS dentist back home.”
Patients have reported difficulty finding an NHS dentist willing to provide post-operative care after undergoing extensive dental procedures in Turkey. Due to potential financial losses from treating complex cases, dentists may be hesitant to accept new patients requiring such aftercare under NHS funding.
Despite known risks, many Britons continue to opt for discounted cosmetic surgery in Turkey.
A recent study in 2022 highlighted that the most common complication post-cosmetic surgery was wound separation and infection. A significant percentage of patients seeking NHS assistance for complications from cosmetic surgery had received treatment abroad, with 72% of cases associated with procedures in Turkey.
Laura Flemming, aged 29, from Dundee, shared her experience of undergoing a breast uplift and implants as part of a package deal during her trip to Istanbul, costing £3,600. Reflecting on the decision, she expressed, “I had lost weight, and my breasts had decreased in size, so I wanted to have them lifted. It’s a nerve-wracking thought that things might not go as planned when altering your body, but when you desire it so much, it’s a risk you’re willing to take.”
The Mirror is actively campaigning to eliminate unregulated cosmetic practices after several individuals suffered from sepsis and fatal complications.
In a tragic incident in 2024, Kaydell Brown, aged 38, passed away on an operating table in Istanbul following a series of cosmetic procedures.
Cosmetic surgery establishments in Istanbul collaborate with major hotel chains to offer inclusive tourism packages. Observations at various hotels revealed patients, post-surgery, being escorted back to their accommodations for recovery, with some visibly in discomfort.
Laura noted experiencing persistent sales tactics from Turkish clinics while researching her operation. She mentioned, “If you inquire, they keep contacting you. They pressure you by offering discounts if you book immediately.”
Her friend, Kaitlin Jackson, aged 31, shared her aspiration for a tummy tuck procedure, emphasizing the increased affordability of cosmetic surgeries in Turkey compared to the past. She highlighted the evolving societal acceptance of such procedures, stating, “In the past, cosmetic enhancements were deemed unattainable luxuries, often associated with celebrities. But now, in Turkey, it’s more accessible, and there’s less judgment.”
Laura further commented on the shifting perspective towards body positivity and self-care, noting, “Young individuals nowadays believe that life is too short not to address insecurities. People strive to embrace body positivity and enjoy their physical selves.”