By M10News Health Desk
A 38-year-old British man has died in Turkey shortly after undergoing a hair transplant procedure, prompting a criminal investigation into the clinic involved.
The man, who has not yet been publicly named, is reported to have travelled to Istanbul for the cosmetic surgery at a private clinic in the city’s Besiktas district.
According to local news outlet OdaTV, the operation took place at a facility named CINIK, a clinic known for offering hair transplant procedures to international clients.
The surgery is understood to have lasted approximately five hours. Shortly after the operation, the man reportedly became unwell.
He was transferred to a nearby hospital for emergency care and admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite medical efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
His body has since been taken to Istanbul’s Forensic Medicine Institute for autopsy. Authorities have said the results will be shared with his family and British officials once available.
Turkish authorities have opened a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Prosecutors are reportedly considering whether there is sufficient evidence to bring charges of “reckless homicide.”
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is providing assistance to the man’s family and is in contact with Turkish authorities.
“We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities,” a spokesperson said.
M10News has contacted CINIK clinic for comment. At the time of publication, there has been no official response from the clinic.
Turkey has emerged as a leading global hub for medical tourism, particularly for hair transplants and other cosmetic procedures. Surgeons in the country are estimated to perform around 60% of the world’s hair transplants.
The sector generated more than £2 billion in revenue for Turkey in 2022, with around 150,000 UK nationals travelling there last year for elective treatments.
However, there have been growing concerns about patient safety in some cases, particularly involving unregulated clinics or procedures performed without adequate oversight.
In a separate case, a mother of four from Hastings, Katrina Marshall, has spoken out after developing life-threatening complications following a cosmetic surgery package in Turkey. She underwent multiple procedures including a tummy tuck, breast implants and a Brazilian butt lift.
Ms Marshall developed severe infections and blood clots, and is still dealing with the physical consequences three years later.
While the majority of cosmetic treatments abroad are completed without major issues, several cases have raised alarms about medical standards and regulation.
In another widely reported incident, a 24-year-old French student, Mathieu Vigier Latour, died by suicide following complications from a beard transplant in Turkey that was reportedly carried out by an unqualified practitioner.
The investigation into the British man’s death remains ongoing. Turkish prosecutors have not yet confirmed whether any individuals have been detained or formally charged.
Editing by M10News Health Desk | Contact: health@m10news.com
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