A recent case has shed light on the dangers of medical tourism, particularly cosmetic surgery, as a British woman tragically passed away following a Brazilian butt-lift (BBL) surgery in Turkey.
Hayley Dowell, a 38-year-old from Eastleigh, Hampshire, died after experiencing complications during a procedure at a private clinic in Istanbul.
A Complicated Procedure
Hayley traveled to Turkey with her husband, Neil Dowell, in October 2023 for a package deal that included a Brazilian butt-lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction, which cost over £7,000.
Unfortunately, the surgery did not go as planned.
It was revealed that the surgeon left the operation halfway through, leaving the anaesthetist to complete the procedure.
The BBL, which involves removing fat from one area of the body and transferring it to the buttocks, resulted in a fatal embolism, a blockage in the blood flow that can occur after surgery.
Concerns Over Consent and Risk Communication
Neil Dowell, who was present during the surgery, raised concerns over the lack of informed consent and the transparency of risks associated with the procedures.
He stated that while his wife had consented to two of the three surgeries, she had not agreed to all of them.
He also mentioned that the clinic did not outline the risks involved in the operations.
Hayley’s mother, Ann, added that her daughter would not have known the potential dangers, especially of the third procedure, as she had not consented to it.
Alleged Issues with the Operation’s Duration
Another concern Mr. Dowell raised was the unexpectedly shortened duration of the surgery.
What should have been a six-hour procedure was completed in just one hour and forty-five minutes.
Neil further expressed his frustration, claiming that the consent form was presented to him only after his wife had passed away, adding to the confusion and distress surrounding the circumstances of her death.
A Full Inquest and Further Investigation
The coroner, Nicholas Walker, stated that a full investigation would take place to look into the information provided to Hayley and the overall circumstances of her death.
He suggested that a Prevention of Future Deaths report might be issued to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
A complete inquest is scheduled for January.
The Popularity and Risks of Medical Tourism
Turkey has become a popular destination for cosmetic surgery, especially among Britons, due to its lower prices for procedures like the BBL.
However, the case of Hayley Dowell is part of a troubling trend.
At least six British citizens died in Turkey in 2023 following medical procedures, highlighting the risks of seeking treatment abroad.
The BHT Clinic, where Hayley underwent surgery, is among several clinics in Turkey that cater to international patients.
The clinic claims to offer advanced medical technology, yet its role in this case remains under scrutiny.
A similar incident involved another British woman, Michelle Heath, who also traveled to Istanbul for cosmetic surgery and experienced health complications.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, the focus will be on understanding what went wrong during Hayley Dowell’s surgery and whether the clinic followed proper procedures for patient safety.
The outcomes of this inquest may influence the growing trend of medical tourism and its regulations, particularly in countries like Turkey, where affordable surgeries attract many international patients.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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