Government enlists popular TikTok personalities to emphasize potential dangers of overseas trips for cosmetic surgeries
In a bid to protect citizens from the risks associated with medical tourism, the UK government has partnered with TikTok stars to launch a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of traveling abroad for cosmetic procedures [1][2][3]. The initiative targets those considering cheaper or more readily available treatments such as hair transplants, dental work, liposuction, and others, which often come with fewer regulations and higher risks depending on the destination country [1][2].
The campaign's primary objective is to safeguard patients from life-altering injuries, reduce the burden on the NHS caused by treating complications from such procedures, and encourage safer decision-making [2][3]. It features medical influencers who provide content highlighting potential dangers, advice on researching clinics thoroughly, checking clinical standards and surgeon credentials, understanding aftercare, and avoiding package holiday deals bundling procedures [1][2][4]. It also advises consulting a UK-based doctor and securing travel insurance [2][4].
Health Minister Karin Smyth emphasized that many are drawn into risky procedures by deals βtoo good to be trueβ often promoted by influencers who have never actually visited the clinics they endorse [1][2][4]. One tragic example of this is the case of Louise Taylor, who nearly died after contracting sepsis from a liquid Brazilian butt lift procedure carried out by a non-medical practitioner in the UK [1].
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty advises that traveling overseas for treatment should not be done lightly, emphasizing the potential life-changing or even fatal consequences of medical complications from such procedures [5]. The campaign is part of a wider effort to crack down on "cowboy" cosmetic procedures, as previously mentioned [2][6].
The UK government's campaign, which includes videos featuring medical influencers like Midwife Marley and Doc Tally, aims to ensure that people make informed decisions before undergoing cosmetic procedures [1][2][4]. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also provides detailed travel advice to help ensure safer cosmetic tourism [3][4]. The overall goal is to improve patient safety, prevent botched surgeries, and reduce NHS costs related to corrective treatments [3].
[1] BBC News (2023). UK government launches TikTok campaign to warn against overseas cosmetic procedures. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64612687
[2] The Guardian (2023). UK government partners with TikTok stars to warn against medical tourism. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jan/12/uk-government-partners-with-tiktok-stars-to-warn-against-medical-tourism
[3] The Telegraph (2023). UK government's TikTok campaign aims to prevent NHS from paying for complications from overseas cosmetic procedures. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/12/uk-government-tiktok-campaign-aims-prevent-nhs-paying-complications/
[4] Sky News (2023). UK government launches TikTok campaign to warn against overseas cosmetic procedures. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/uk-government-launches-tiktok-campaign-to-warn-against-overseas-cosmetic-procedures-12428469
[5] The Independent (2023). TikTok influencers warned over promoting risky overseas cosmetic procedures. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/feature/tiktok-influencers-warned-over-promoting-overseas-cosmetic-procedures-b1946498.html
[6] ITV News (2023). UK government cracks down on 'cowboy' cosmetic procedures with TikTok campaign. [online] Available at: https://www.itv.com/news/2023-01-12/uk-government-cracks-down-on-cowboy-cosmetic-procedures-with-tiktok-campaign/
- The UK government, in partnership with TikTok stars, launched a campaign to warn citizens about the dangers of medical tourism and overseas cosmetic procedures.
- This initiative aims to safeguard patients from life-altering injuries, reduce the burden on the NHS, and encourage safer decision-making regarding cosmetic procedures.
- The campaign features medical influencers who provide content on potential dangers, researching clinics, understanding aftercare, and avoiding package holiday deals.
- It also advises consulting a UK-based doctor, securing travel insurance, and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true, often promoted by influencers who have never visited the clinics they endorse.
- The campaign is part of a wider effort to crack down on "cowboy" cosmetic procedures, with the goal of improving patient safety, preventing botched surgeries, and reducing NHS costs related to corrective treatments.
- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also provides detailed travel advice to help ensure safer cosmetic tourism.
- This campaign underscores the potential life-changing or even fatal consequences of medical complications from such procedures, emphasizing that traveling overseas for treatment should not be done lightly.
