CINIK clinic claims 38-year-old became unwell ‘unexpectedly’ before procedure began as police investigate ‘reckless homicide’
A 38-year-old British man has died following a hair transplant procedure at a private clinic in Istanbul, prompting Turkish authorities to launch an investigation into potential “reckless homicide” as concerns mount over medical tourism safety.
The unnamed man travelled to Turkey for the operation at the CINIK clinic in Istanbul’s upscale Besiktas district, where he became critically unwell and was rushed to intensive care before dying despite emergency treatment. His death adds to a growing toll of British nationals who have died seeking cosmetic procedures in Turkey, with 25 fatalities recorded since 2019.
The CINIK clinic has disputed initial reports, telling Metro that the patient became unwell “unexpectedly” during the “preparatory phase” before the hair transplant procedure actually began, rather than during the operation itself. The clinic insisted it had carried out “all necessary medical evaluations and tests” before the procedure.
Investigation Launched into ‘Reckless Homicide’
Turkish police have launched a probe into the death, with officials examining potential charges of “reckless homicide,” according to Turkish outlet OdaTV. Staff at the clinic, including the surgeon who was scheduled to perform the hair transplant, the anaesthesiologist, and nurses, have already been questioned by officers.
These assessments were conducted under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, and the patient was cleared for surgery,” the clinic stated in its response to Metro.
The man’s body has been taken to Turkey’s Forensic Medicine Institute for autopsy before repatriation to the United Kingdom. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson confirmed: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.
Turkey’s Booming Medical Tourism Industry
Turkey has emerged as the world’s leading destination for hair transplants, performing approximately 60% of global procedures and conducting around 1,500 hair transplants daily. The country attracted more than 1.2 million medical tourists in 2022, with medical tourism contributing over £2 billion to Turkey’s economy.
An estimated 150,000 Britons travelled to Turkey in 2022 for cosmetic procedures, drawn by prices that are typically 50-70% lower than in the UK. A hair transplant that might cost £10,000-£15,000 in Britain can be obtained for as little as £1,500-£3,000 in Turkey, often including accommodation and transfers.
The Turkish government has actively promoted medical tourism through incentives and streamlined visa procedures. Istanbul alone hosts more than 50 internationally accredited hospitals, with many clinics offering all-inclusive packages that combine medical procedures with tourism experiences.
Rising Death Toll and Complications
The latest fatality highlights mounting safety concerns about cosmetic surgery tourism. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the number of UK patients requiring hospital treatment after cosmetic surgery abroad increased by 94% between 2019 and 2023, with procedures in Turkey accounting for 80% of complications.
In 2023 alone, six British nationals died following cosmetic surgeries in Turkey. The UK Health Security Agency has issued warnings about the health risks associated with medical tourism, particularly for elective surgeries and dental procedures.
Recent high-profile cases include Melissa Kerr, who died in 2019 from a pulmonary embolism after a Brazilian butt-lift at Istanbul’s Medicana Kadikoy Hospital, and Katrina Marshall, a mother-of-four from Hastings who was left fighting for her life with post-surgery infections and blood clots after a £6,000 package deal for breast implants, tummy tuck, and Brazilian butt lift.
The Mathieu Vigier Latour Tragedy
Perhaps the most shocking case involved French student Mathieu Vigier Latour, 24, who took his own life after discovering his beard transplant in Istanbul had been performed by an estate agent posing as a surgeon. The business school student had paid €1,300 (£1,082) for the procedure after seeing the clinic carried Turkish health ministry approval.
During the operation, the fake surgeon lost 1,000 of 4,000 hair grafts, leaving Latour with what his father described as a “hedgehog-like” beard with hair growing at unnatural angles. The discovery that an unqualified person had performed the surgery led to severe body dysmorphic disorder and post-traumatic stress.
If this testimony could prevent this from happening again and alert everyone, I think that would be a tribute to Mathieu,” his father Jacques told French media after his son’s suicide three months post-procedure.
Industry Warnings and Safety Concerns
Medical professionals warn that the combination of air travel and surgery significantly increases risks of complications. The NHS advises against flying for five to seven days after procedures such as hair transplants or breast surgery, and seven to ten days after facial procedures or tummy tucks.
“Prolonged periods of immobility and the trauma of surgery can contribute to the formation of deep vein thrombosis,” explains Mr Omar Siddiqui, a consultant plastic surgeon. “It’s essential for patients to take necessary precautions.”
Dr Ozlem Bicer, an International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery member operating in Istanbul, warns patients to avoid unlicensed clinics: “If the doctors perform the surgery, the price has no chance to be low. Patients should know that low cost means black market.”
Language barriers, variable surgical standards, and limited follow-up care compound the risks. Many Turkish clinics do not provide adequate aftercare, leaving patients to manage complications alone upon returning to the UK.
Regulatory Gaps and Patient Protection
Despite Turkey’s medical tourism success, critics point to inadequate regulation and oversight. While many facilities hold international accreditation, the proliferation of clinics has made quality control challenging. Some establishments employ unqualified practitioners or operate without proper licensing.
BAAPS has created a register to track complications from cosmetic surgery tourism, urging medical practitioners to report cases. The organisation has also published guidelines for patients considering overseas procedures, emphasising the importance of researching surgeons’ qualifications and clinic accreditations.
The CINIK clinic where the British man died advertises itself as a modern facility with 65 medical professionals. Dr Emrah Cinik, who leads the clinic, claims to have “transformed the lives of thousands of patients over two decades” and recently opened a Harley Street clinic in London for post-transplant treatments.
The True Cost of Cheap Surgery
While Turkey offers significant cost savings, experts warn that bargain procedures can carry hidden costs. Correction surgeries for botched operations often cost two to three times the original procedure, whilst emergency medical treatment and extended recovery periods can eliminate any financial advantage.
The psychological impact of failed procedures can be devastating, as the Vigier Latour case tragically demonstrated. Body dysmorphic disorder, depression, and anxiety are common outcomes of cosmetic surgery complications, particularly when patients feel deceived or abandoned by overseas clinics.
As medical tourism continues to grow, with the global market projected to reach $102.1 billion by 2032, the tension between affordable healthcare access and patient safety remains unresolved. For the family of the latest British victim, the promise of an affordable hair transplant has ended in irreversible tragedy.
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