A hair transplant death in Turkey has raised fresh concerns over the safety of cosmetic tourism. The case involves 38-year-old Martyn Latchman from Milton Keynes, who died in late July at the Dr. Cinik Clinic in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district. Turkish officials said he became unwell during pre-operative checks for what was planned to be his second hair transplant and was taken to hospital. He died later the same day.
An autopsy has been carried out, and an investigation is under way. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing assistance to Latchman’s family. The Dr. Cinik Clinic, which serves international patients and is known for attracting celebrity clients, said all relevant medical and legal documentation has been submitted to the judicial authorities.
Turkey’s leading role in hair transplants
Over the past decade, Turkey has developed a global reputation for hair transplant services, drawing patients from the UK, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Industry data shows thousands of procedures are carried out each year in Istanbul alone, with clinics offering package deals that combine surgery with accommodation and airport transfers. Low costsing than Western Europe or North America that is the reson for its major attraction.
However, this growth has also aroused attention from health professionals and regulators, and note that patients can vary widely between safety standard suppliers. The UK’s British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has previously reported an increase in cases where patients returned home from overseas with complications requiring follow-up treatment.
Guidance for patients considering surgery abroad
Medical bodies advise that people travelling abroad for procedures should take similar precautions to those they would expect domestically. This means confirming that the surgeon is recognized by reputable medical boards, confirming the license status of the clinic, and ensures that it is a clear post -protection plan. Patients are recommended by their own GP to evaluate evaluations of health health to identify any possible risk.
Why it matters
Latchman’s death is a reminder that regular cosmetic procedures also take medical risk. While hair transplantation is usually considered safe when done by qualified professionals, complications may occur during or after surgery. Industry counselors informed about stress that decisions and careful clinic choices are important for reducing the risk.
The investigation into the hair transplant death in Turkey is ongoing, and no findings on the cause have yet been released.