Adverts promoting surgery at three cosmetic clinics in Turkey have been banned in the UK for “trivialising” the decision to go under the knife abroad.
The ads, all paid for on Facebook and seen in May, were investigated by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for making irresponsible claims and misleadingly omitting information about the need for medical pre-consultations.
Facebook owner Meta said it did not have any comment on the ads.
One of the ads, for ClinicHaus Health, featured the caption: “Rhinoplasty surgery, one of the most successful doctors in the world… Fill out the form now for the big summer campaign.
“VIP transfer. 5 star package. Holiday in the most beautiful city in the world.”
While an ad for Erdem Clinic stated: “Don’t let your nose overshadow your face. Get the look you dream of with nose job treatment.
“Choose to be the greater beauty that you can be.”
It also offered up to 30% discounts on combined operations.
The third advert, for AsproMED, read: “Are you ready to unleash your inner beauty, dear friend? Look no further than AsproMED, your trusted partner in the realm of medical tourism!
“Let us guide you towards the path of radiant transformation!”
It included an image of a slim woman holding a balloon and pointing to her stomach – with a smaller illustration of a gastric balloon in a stomach.
A caption underneath said: “4, 5 Stars Hotel + Travel to Istanbul + Professional Team.”
The AsproMed and Erdem clinics did not respond to the ASA’s investigations, while ClinicHaus Health said it had legal certification from the Turkish government.
As part of the medical tourism industry, it offered summer deals from time to time, the clinic added.
Earlier this month, a coroner said she intends to write to the government over concerns people are not aware of the risks, after a British woman died following a ‘Brazilian butt lift’ procedure in Turkey last year.
“I am concerned patients are not being made aware of the risks or the mortality rate associated with such surgery,” the coroner said.
“I do have concerns there will be future deaths and I’m of the view future deaths can be prevented by way of better information.”
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An ASA spokesman said while many visitors may be happy with the result of cosmetic surgery abroad, there are still “inherent risks”.
“That’s why it’s so important that ads for these services aren’t misleading or irresponsible, and why this is a high-priority area for the ASA,” he said.
“Advertisers targeting people in the UK need to ensure that they’re following the code, even if the service isn’t based here.
“They mustn’t trivialise the decision to get cosmetic surgery or put people under pressure to take up time-limited offers.
“They should also make clear the need for a pre-consultation, including where it will take place.”
He added the group is monitoring the situation and preparing “further regulatory action”.
