Warning issued over travelling abroad for surgery amid rise in 'information' events

Scots are being warned about the risks of travelling abroad for surgical and cosmetic procedures.

Health Improvement Scotland has highlighted the dangers amid a growing number of information events across the country, inviting people to sign up for treatments abroad.

They say information days are increasingly being held in hotels and venues offering treatments such as hair transplants and aesthetic and weight-loss surgeries in countries including Turkey, Brazil and Thailand.

Travelling abroad for procedures places the patient at risk of higher rates of infection and postoperative complications, it has been warned.

This can also place an increased burden on NHS Scotland when individuals return requiring urgent corrective or emergency care.

Laura Boyce, chief inspector of regulation at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “Our advice to the public is to avoid engaging in health tourism as evidence consistently shows increased risks of complications when medical procedures are undertaken in countries and settings with variable clinical standards and limited post‑operative follow‑up.

“We urge anyone looking to get cosmetic interventions to think about their health and wellbeing and seek their care from a regulated provider.

“Clinics registered and regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland can be found on our website, and patients can use this information to support their decision-making in finding a quality-assured service.”

Health Improvement Scotland has also warned of the risks of variable clinical standards compared with requirements in Scotland and limited or no continuity of care, particularly where complications emerge after travel.

There are over 500 registered and regulated clinics across Scotland, the vast majority providing cosmetic procedures.