Influential TikTok stars are to help the government highlight the risks of travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures.
A new campaign will explain how hair transplants and dental treatments can go wrong overseas, so Britons can make “more informed choices before they go under the knife”.
Videos featuring well-known medical influencers such as Midwife Marley and Doc Tally are planned, with clips urging patients to speak to British doctors first.
Other top tips include avoiding package holidays that include procedures, checking a surgeon’s credentials and how their clinic is regulated, and understanding aftercare.
These influencers have tens of thousands of followers, and may manage to reach those who are less likely to see government warnings in newspapers and on TV.
It forms part of wider efforts to crack down on “cowboy” cosmetic procedures, amid warnings that medical complications can be life-changing or even fatal.
Last month, Sky’s Katie Barnfield spoke to one woman who was left unable to swallow after developing botulism that was linked to an unlicenced anti-wrinkle injection.
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The disease is so rare that many doctors have never seen it in their entire careers – with slurred speech and breathing problems among the common symptoms.
Meanwhile, one woman nearly died after contracting sepsis from a liquid Brazilian butt lift procedure carried out by a non-medical practitioner here in the UK.
At one point, Louise Taylor was told that her leg may need to be amputated to save her life.
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The government hopes teaming up with TikTok stars – and campaigns like it – will tackle medical tourism and ensure the NHS isn’t footing the bill when things go wrong.
Health minister Karin Smyth said: “Too many people are being left with life-altering injuries after going abroad for medical procedures, without access to proper advice or safeguards.
“Often drawn in by deals too good to be true and promoted by influencers – some of whom have never been to the practice in question.”
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said travelling overseas for treatment must not be done lightly, adding: “Informed choices today can help avoid serious complications tomorrow.”
