Latest news with #medicaltourism
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
I impulsively got a cheap BBL in Turkey then almost died – I was wide awake on the operating table and vomiting blood
A WOMAN has revealed she was left traumatised after jetting to Turkey for a BBL. Kayla Jade, from Australia, claimed she almost died after getting the cut-price surgery done. 2 Taking to social media, Kayla said: "So I almost died from my first BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) in Turkey and like I can be quite impulsive so I definitely rushed into it without thinking of the complications that the surgery may have had. "I'm all about doing what makes you feel good but I kind of wish I knew what I knew now before I got my BBLs." She revealed that she got the surgery done several years ago, and she didn't have much money, she 'cheapened out' and went to Turkey for it. The package included the surgery, flights and accommodation and she was taken straight from the airport to the clinic. But when she got there, they said the doctor was at the hospital so she had to go there for her consultation. After getting to the hospital, they spend hours looking for the doctor only to be told to head back to the clinic. The lack of organisation was just the start of Kayla's nightmare. When she eventually found the doctor, he told KAyla she didn't have enough fat for the results she wanted, something she refuted as she had been gaining weight for the surgery. She said: "It's like he was trying to lower my expectations because he knew he was gonna cheap out and do a half-a**ed job. "So I felt c**p, but I was like, I still had hope inside me." I had the same procedure as tragic BBL mum, I was moments from death & live in constant pain, they must be banned NOW Kayla soon found herself on the operating table, and recalled being awake the entire time and was able to feel everything. While they sucked the fat out of her body to place in her bum, she could feel the metal rod at work and the fat being 'sucked' off. She continued: "I remember I could hear nurses and the doctors talking and I couldn't move my body. There was nothing I could do. I was just lying there in my head screaming. Kayla Jade "I was paralysed, but I could just feel like tears running down my face because I was in so much pain. "There was nothing I could do. I was just lying there in my head screaming, but I could just feel all the stuff that was happening. I guess they didn't give me enough anesthetic." When Kayla woke up from the surgery she recalls her body violently shaking and throwing up blood because of the shock. She had also been placed on her back, despite having to lie on your stomach for six weeks after getting a BBL. After spending the first day in and out of sleep she says she was then forced to get up and walk despite being in and out of consciousness. Kayla says she begged the nurses to let her stay another night, but was refused and her stuff was packed and she was moved out. When she finally made her way back to Australia, she noticed the fat removed from her back was done unevenly leaving her lopsided. She also noticed her bum had barely increased in size, making the horrific surgery futile. In the end, Kayla decided to get the whole thing reversed in Australia before getting another BBL done there too. What are the risks of getting surgery abroad? IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad. It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks. Safety standards in different countries may not be as high. No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad. If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment. Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK. Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems. Source: NHS "Please don't cheapen out like what I did and end up in some crazy situation," Kayla added. The clip soon went viral on her TikTok account @ blueeyedkaylajade with over 148k likes and people were quick to share their thoughts. One person wrote: "Kayla, I haven't even finished the vid yet and this is a horror story." Another commented: 'Anesthesia awareness is my worst nightmare!" "BBL's are never worth it. The most dangerous surgery ever," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Wow I am imagining this experience as you talk and I am in pain." "The recovery alone for a BBL is a no for me haha,' claimed a fifth.
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
China's First Foreign-Owned Hospital Seeks More Medical Tourists
A Singapore hospital operator wants more international patients to seek treatment at its new medical center in China, as foreign healthcare providers eye medical tourism as a new growth area in the world's second-largest economy. Perennial Holdings Pte 's $139 million hospital opened earlier this year in the northern city of Tianjin, and is the first fully foreign-owned medical facility in the mainland. The hospital aims to derive 30% of its revenue during its first year of operation from patients visiting from Russia to the Middle East and Southeast Asia — hoping China will become an emerging destination for medical tourism that can compete with established regional rivals Singapore, Thailand and Japan.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
The NHS teams mopping up sloppy foreign surgery
As consultant plastic surgeon at Manchester's busy Wythenshawe Hospital, a typical day for Dr Fouzia Choukairi involves spending hours in the operating theatre reconstructing someone's limbs following a terrible traffic accident. But every few weeks, she or an on-call colleague will be buzzed to the A&E department where, among the melee of broken bones, bleeding gashes and limping children, she will face a different challenge: performing sometimes life-saving treatment on a patient who has returned from overseas having had cosmetic surgery. 'They may have had tummy tucks [abdominoplasty] or breast implants,' she explains. 'But then they will have got a wound or implant infection after flying home, and they may be very, very sick. They can need life-saving treatment, and it can involve a huge team – not just the A&E staff but surgeons, microbiologists, intensive care specialists, anaesthetists, nurses, wound care and rehabilitation staff. 'The patients are often very grateful, and sometimes verbally regret having had the surgery,' she adds. 'I guess you're not going to stop people from going abroad for surgery, but we do feel patients are not well-informed or well-equipped to deal with any complications.' For years, NHS staff have voiced concern at having to 'mop up the mess' caused by foreign cosmetic procedures mostly undertaken in Turkey, considered the medical tourism capital of the world. All too often, they say, the promise of cheap liposuction, BBLs (Brazilian butt lifts), facelifts and hair transplants promoted online and sold as part of 'luxury holiday packages' can result instead in infections, blood clots, sepsis, deformities and even death. Now, however, they are warning of a new issue – that of antibiotic-resistant superbugs being brought back from overseas into UK hospitals by these patients. 'Turkey is a gateway between East and West,' explains Dr Choukairi, who also works at Hale Private Clinic in Manchester. 'You have a huge mixture of people from all over the world flowing through these hospitals, airports and hotels. The patient would have travelled back on a plane, perhaps with open wounds or dressings, and they can pick up multi-resistant bugs at any of these steps. 'Usually, antibiotics can target infections very efficiently but if you're faced with a multi-resistant bug or an unusual bug, you have to throw broad-spectrum antibiotics at it, which are not as efficient and may take longer to clear it. 'If the person is very sick and requires intensive care, this is the worst-case scenario. And, of course, there is a small risk these bugs can be passed onto the person in the next bed if, say, they are immunosuppressed or also have open wounds.' Alarming developments Her concern over antibiotic-resistant bugs being brought into the NHS is not in isolation. At the recent Royal College of Nursing annual conference in Liverpool, NHS nurses spoke of 'horrific' wounds and infections seen in patients following overseas surgery. Nykoma Hamilton, an infection control nurse in Fife, Scotland, said patients were increasingly infected with bacteria resistant to even the strongest antibiotics – a group of drugs called carbapenems, which are used as a last resort when all other antibiotics have proved ineffective. Describing the superbugs as the 'absolute granddaddy of resistance', she told the conference that NHS hospitals and clinics in her area had recorded a 'near 30 per cent' increase in carbapenem-resistant bacteria in recent years. 'Our concerns relate to the fact that a lot of people are colonised with a lot of extensively drug-resistant organisms,' she said. It is an alarming development. The World Health Organisation has previously warned that the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era, with figures from the UK Health Security Agency showing the number of antibiotic-resistant infections across the UK has grown by seven per cent in recent years, up from around 62,000 in 2019 to nearly 67,000 in 2023. Doctors are also warning the risk of such infections is only likely to grow due to the numbers having foreign cosmetic surgery rising each year. Last year, an estimated 150,000 Brits travelled to Turkey for beauty tweaks – with some saying the rise of NHS weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have fuelled the trend. 'Massive weight loss can result in loose skin on the face, tummy, arms and thighs,' says Dr Mo Akhavani, consultant plastic surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London, who regularly deals with post-operative complications. 'People understandably don't want to live with this, but the NHS has finite resources and, although the health benefits are well known, the procedure is deemed low priority, so people go overseas for cheap surgery. He adds: 'The surgeons in Turkey are often very good and the vast majority of operations go right, but the aftercare can be a problem.' Dr Akhavani, who also works at London's Plastic Surgery Group, says he has helped a 'growing' number of patients, especially since Covid. In 2023, figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) also showed a 94 per cent rise in three years of people needing corrective surgery on the NHS – with the total cost to the taxpayer being around £4.8 million. 'There are factors leading to this increased risk,' he tells The Telegraph. 'First, if a patient has had huge weight loss, they may well have had other conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which can cause complications. 'Then they may have multi-site surgery, which UK doctors wouldn't advise doing, where loose or fat skin is removed from several areas, and perhaps combined with breast implants or other procedures, meaning longer on the operating table and an increased risk of blood clots and even death. 'Thirdly, patients must also refrain from getting on a flight for six weeks post-surgery but they often fly straight home, which can lead to wound-healing problems.' Dr Akhavani adds, 'We see them in A&E sometimes with gaping wounds and pus pouring out. They need antibiotic drips, then can be taken into theatre to wash out the infection, and may end up in intensive care for weeks. Often we are giving life-saving treatment but we will not correct deformities, such as removed implants, from the emergency surgery. This is the NHS and that ultimately means taxpayers' money needs to be protected.' In previous years, both the BAAPS and the British Medical Association (BMA) have highlighted the risks involved with the $4.5 billion (£3.5 billion) global industry. These include the lack of proper consultations and risk assessments, paperwork in a foreign language, and a financial commitment to the surgery prior to travel. Aftercare concerns With surgery tied to luxury packages, patients may often have top hotels and transport, but no health monitoring post-surgery. One doctor told The Telegraph in graphic detail of a patient who had had a BBL, but then flew home, with the fat seeping out of the wound while on the plane. The patient needed three separate surgeries to repair it and was left 'traumatised'. A second nurse at the recent RCN conference recounted a young woman who had skin removal in Turkey, then returned to the UK with a large thigh wound only loosely held together with stitches. She also had dying tissue and sepsis. 'All she told me about was how fantastic the hotel was after she'd had her surgery and that they took her back to a posh car,' she said. 'But there was no blood pressure testing, no aftercare for this woman at all. In fact, I'm surprised she made it back on the flight. It's really scary.' In 2022, a mother from Berkshire, known only as Carrie, contracted a flesh-eating virus after having a £4,500 tummy tuck in Istanbul. Four days after returning to the UK, she was rushed to hospital and treated for sepsis and organ failure. The same year, Pinky Jolley required treatment in two Liverpool hospitals following botched £2,100 gastric sleeve surgery abroad that left her with multiple infections, sepsis and a permanently damaged oesophagus and stomach. She was left needing a feeding tube and largely bed bound. The growing probability of superbugs has also been highlighted, with the BAAPS saying: 'Some people are returning with multi-resistant bacteria that are hard to treat and may infect other people.' In November 2024, following a spate of deaths of women who had flown to Turkey for BBLs, these concerns reached the top of government, with Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, urging people to 'think very carefully' before going overseas for surgery. Back on the NHS front line, however, doctors see little chance of this happening. Dr Amer Hussain is a plastic surgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. His work involves reconstructing breasts for women who have had mastectomies following cancer. But at times he has to postpone such operations due to hospital bed shortages caused by beds occupied by those in need of urgent care. 'Patients come in following Turkey operations with infected breast implants,' he says. 'They have redness, fever or discharge from the wound and the implant needs to be removed. We are also seeing bad infections – with the bugs not even necessarily endemic to Turkey, meaning they are coming from elsewhere in the world.' Like all doctors, he is aware of the strain on the NHS. 'I do major breast reconstruction, often for cancer patients, and the backlog of these operations due to Covid has still not been reduced,' he explains. 'So doing these emergency surgeries does have an impact on waiting times, beds and theatre time. 'The problem is that this is high-volume surgery abroad, without checks and balances, and the NHS is being forced to step in. But it is frustrating, because at the end of the day, where resources are precious, they should be for patients who need them the most.'
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Some Travelers Skip The Big Cities For Domestic Medical Tourism
Historically, the best medical treatment has been exclusive to large cities, which possess the necessary infrastructure and funding. That trend is starting to change with more travelers seeking comparable care in select suburban and rural destinations. Domestic medical tourism is gaining popularity, offering opportunities to receive similar care while exploring existing destinations. Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) flock flying with mountain backdrop, Kalispell, Montana, USA, October. (Photo by: Avalon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Universal Images Group via Getty Images Mid-tier cities and suburban areas are more likely to offer advanced medical treatment than in the past, thanks to increased travel flexibility and changing population trends. As a result, providers can leave the big city and thrive within their specialty. While major cities like New York and Boston are home to some of the top hospitals, they are also some of the most expensive places to live and work. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many professionals sought a more affordable work-life balance, which led to smaller cities attracting top talent, including both healthcare workers and potential patients. For instance, many residents from expensive counties in California, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, relocated to more affordable states like Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico during the pandemic. As a result, medical facilities expanded. Cities like Tucson and El Paso have been able to provide quality care without incurring the costs associated with a major city. Dr. Siona Motufau is a prime example of blending advanced care with serene surroundings that big cities cannot provide. He specializes in cosmetic implant dentistry and founded Ohana Dental Implant Centers in Montrose and Grand Junction, Colorado. Yet, it's still easy and affordable to reach by car or air. His clinic has handled over 300 complex restorative cases, many of which were deemed untreatable by other providers. Ohana also has an in-house dental lab to control every detail and provide consistent results for local and visiting patients. 'When you control the entire process—from surgery to final prosthetics—you can deliver results that are not just functional, but flawless,' says Motufau. Motufau studied under Dr. Carl Misch, the father of modern implant dentistry, and Dr. Tavelli, Harvard's leader in managing implant complications. He combines their knowledge with his vision to blend aesthetics with advanced surgery to become the go-to destination for complex full-mouth restorations that require surgical skill and artistic vision. Some examples of procedures that people are willing to travel for include dentistry, cancer treatments, fertility services, orthopedic surgery, cosmetic procedures, bariatric surgery, and organ transplants. Choosing a treatment destination is one of the most appealing aspects of medical tourism. Staying in a busy metropolitan area is costly, with lodging and transportation adding an extra financial burden to medical expenses. Not everybody is comfortable in busy urban areas, and the atmosphere can present additional stress that delays recovery or inhibits rest and relaxation. Dr. Motafu partially chose to practice on Colorado's Western Slope for its scenery. Patients can enjoy exploring one of the state's most scenic areas and enjoy a small-town setting during their downtime. The greater Grand Junction area also has a thriving medical infrastructure with reputable providers. Local residents and long-distance patients alike receive the treatment they need with the ability to enjoy nature unimpeded. Recovery is a crucial factor when researching medical tourism, and having a comfortable space to recuperate is vital for maintaining one's health. Being able to explore the fresh mountain air or relax on a sunny beach between appointments can make the medical experience more enjoyable. Some medical facilities have even been able to save hospitals that were on the brink of shutdown. Staff in Kalispell, Montana, have been able to attract patients with nearby ski resorts and lakes. They have also built the first pediatric hospital in rural Montana. Major medical facilities offer diverse treatment options, but the personalized attention can be lacking due to high patient volumes. While there is a time and place to visit these locations, smaller providers can provide more hands-on care and attention from staff members. Patients can get to know their caregivers and vice versa. A population boom in McKenzie County, North Dakota, for example, enabled funding for a medical facility, making it easier for patients to receive medical care. The smaller facility allows patients and people living in the nearby counties to benefit from personalized care. A tiny farm house is seen in the background off of U.S. Hwy 85 going throughout Arnegard, N.D., Sept 24, 2013. In 2008 the North Dakota oil boom started its ongoing period of extraction of oil from the Bakken formation. The amount of jobs the oil boom has provided North Dakota has helped give it the lowest unemployment rate in the United States and and gave it a billion dollar surplus. Shale gas reserves has given the United States more independence over other nations such as Venezuela and count (Photo by Ken Cedeno/Corbis via Getty Images) Corbis via Getty Images There is also the possibility of visiting different facilities when a single specialist cannot provide integrated care. In this situation, providers can improve coordination so patients receive the necessary care without delay. Dr. Motafu believes the future of medicine includes converging the functional and aesthetic components. He plans on expanding his clinical model into other high-demand markets so patients have greater access to cosmetic implant dentistry nationwide. 'Too many people walk into a dental office expecting a new smile, and walk out with a lifetime of complications. That's the problem I've dedicated my life to solving,' Dr. Motafu says. Leading healthcare institutions are more expensive than smaller clinics that offer similar treatment or quality of care in most cases. Higher demand helps spur pricing power, but it's also costly to maintain state-of-the-art infrastructure and staff. Prices can also vary across locations for big-name providers, such as the Mayo Clinic, which operates campuses in several states. Treatment can be cheaper in states with a lower cost of living, with major providers and highly skilled independent practitioners. While medical treatment within the United States is more expensive than overseas, the transportation costs can be lower when driving or booking affordable flights. Some travel brands may also offer special rates for medical travel, though this varies by airline, rental company, and hotel. However, it may be worth investing in travel insurance, depending on the procedure and destination. Additionally, the potential cost savings are less substantial for minor procedures or when overseas travel costs are pricier than anticipated. You also don't run the risk of post-treatment complications that the overseas destination may not have the resources to address. It's worth mentioning that between 150,000 and 200,000 international visitors come to the United States each year specifically for medical care that is unavailable in their home country. While it may cost more for medical assistance in the United States, the quality of care provides peace of mind and can reduce the need for follow-up procedures due to rushed work or inexperienced staff. The domestic healthcare space is adapting as more citizens want regional, state-of-the-art care. There is strong demand in many mid-tier communities that are easily accessible. Domestic medical tourism can be more affordable and more personal, depending on the location. Related Articles:
The National
28-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Capilclinic: One of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey
Hair loss is a common concern affecting millions of men and women around the world. Whether due to genetics, stress, hormonal imbalances, or medical conditions, the impact of hair loss goes far beyond aesthetics - it can affect confidence, self-image, and quality of life. As the demand for hair restoration solutions grows, Turkey has emerged as the global leader in hair transplant procedures, attracting hundreds of thousands of medical tourists every year. Among the clinics that stand out for their excellence, innovation and patient satisfaction, Capilclinic has earned a reputation as one of the very best. In 2024, Capilclinic was awarded the European Prize for Medical Excellence, a distinction granted to a select number of clinics that demonstrate consistent innovation, outstanding patient outcomes, and adherence to international standards of care. This recognition positions Capilclinic not only as a top choice in Turkey but also as a leading hair transplant clinic across the entire European continent. Built on excellence Capilclinic was founded with a clear mission: to offer world-class hair transplant procedures at accessible prices while maintaining the highest levels of medical safety and patient care. Over the years, it has consistently delivered on that promise, combining medical expertise with state-of-the-art technology and a deeply personalised approach to treatment. Unlike many other clinics that focus on volume, Capilclinic emphasises quality over quantity. The clinic's philosophy is based on careful assessment, honest communication, and customised treatment plans that take into account the patient's age, hair loss pattern, scalp condition and expectations. 2024 European Medical Excellence Award In a highly competitive field, receiving international recognition is no small feat. The European Medical Excellence Award, granted in 2024, placed Capilclinic in a prestigious category of healthcare institutions that meet the strictest European standards. This award evaluates clinics across criteria, including: Consistent patient satisfaction and success rates Innovative use of medical technology Transparency and ethical practices International reputation and credibility Capilclinic stood out in all these categories. The award affirms the clinic's status as one of the most trusted and respected hair transplant clinics in Europe. Expert medical team led by renowned surgeons A major part of Capilclinic's success is due to its exceptional medical team, comprised of internationally trained and certified surgeons with years of experience in hair restoration. The clinic's head surgeon, Dr Oguz Kayiran, is a highly respected figure in the field of dermatology and hair transplantation. He has performed thousands of successful procedures and regularly attends international conferences to stay at the forefront of new developments. Capilclinic's specialists are trained in all major hair restoration techniques, including: FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): A minimally invasive method that extracts individual hair follicles for natural-looking results with no visible scarring. DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): An advanced technique that allows for precise implantation without shaving the recipient area. Sapphire FUE: A newer version of FUE using sapphire blades, known for even less trauma and faster healing. Each procedure is performed with surgical precision and aesthetic awareness, ensuring results that look natural and harmonious with the patient's facial features. High-tech facilities and European-level hygiene standards Capilclinic is in a modern medical complex in Istanbul, equipped with the latest technology in surgical tools, diagnostic imaging and sterilisation. The facilities are certified to meet Turkish Ministry of Health regulations and EU hygiene and safety standards. The surgical rooms are fitted with advanced air filtration systems, and all procedures are performed in a sterile environment to minimise the risk of infection. This commitment to safety and innovation is one of the many reasons why Capilclinic continues to attract patients from over 40 countries. Comprehensive all-inclusive packages One of the most appealing aspects of Capilclinic is its transparent pricing model. Many patients from the UK, Ireland, UAE, Canada, and the US choose Capilclinic because they know exactly what they're paying for — there are no hidden fees or surprise charges. Capilclinic offers all-inclusive packages that typically include: One-on-one consultation (online or in person) Pre-surgery medical tests Hair transplant procedure with FUE, DHI, or Sapphire FUE Post-operative medication and care kit Two nights in a four- or five-star hotel Airport and hotel transfers Dedicated English-speaking co-ordinators Follow-up care and long-term support This level of organisation makes the entire experience stress-free and easy to navigate, especially for first-time medical travellers. Impressive before and after results Capilclinic maintains a growing gallery of before-and-after photos showing real patient transformations. These images demonstrate the effectiveness of the clinic's techniques in restoring not just hair - but self-confidence and emotional well-being. Most patients begin to see visible growth within three to six months, with full results typically visible at the 12-month mark. The implanted hairs continue to grow naturally and can be cut, styled, and washed just like the rest of the scalp. Glowing reviews and testimonials Capilclinic has earned thousands of five-star reviews on independent platforms such as Google Reviews, Trustpilot, RealSelf and WhatClinic. Patients frequently praise the clinic for: Honest and thorough consultations Attentive and friendly staff Painless or minimally painful procedures Excellent post-operative care Long-lasting and natural results These testimonials serve as a powerful reminder of Capilclinic's dedication to patient satisfaction. Ideal location Capilclinic is strategically located in Istanbul, a city that bridges Europe and Asia and has become one of the top global destinations for medical tourism. Many patients choose to combine their procedure with a short holiday, enjoying the city's rich culture, food, history, and architecture. The clinic's packages often include accommodations in centrally located hotels, allowing patients to recover comfortably while exploring one of the most iconic cities in the world. Why Capilclinic stands out With hundreds of hair transplant clinics operating in Turkey, standing out is not easy. Yet Capilclinic has managed to rise to the top by maintaining a steadfast commitment to medical excellence, ethical practices, and personalised care. The European Medical Excellence Award in 2024 is a powerful symbol of Capilclinic's trustworthiness and professional integrity. Whether you're just starting to experience hair loss or have been considering a transplant for years, Capilclinic offers a safe, effective, and supportive environment for your hair restoration journey.
