Longevita, a leading provider of cosmetic surgery solutions, is calling for urgent regulatory reform in the UK’s cosmetic surgery sector to prioritise patient safety and ensure that clear industry standards protect those seeking procedures. Despite the industry’s rapid growth, regulations have not kept pace, leaving patients vulnerable to inconsistent standards of care and varying levels of practitioner oversight.
Kagan Seymenoglu, CEO at Longevita, is calling for a government-backed online registry to track and regulate medical tourism providers. Similar to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and GMC registry database, this registry would list all practitioners and businesses offering services abroad, ensuring that only those meeting safety standards can operate. If backed by the government, this system could integrate with platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, flagging unregistered businesses advertising procedures to UK consumers.
Corrective surgeries for botched procedures performed outside of the UK have increased by 94% in the past three years, placing a significant financial burden on the NHS, with an estimated cost of £15,000 per patient. Between 2018 and 2022, 324 patients in the UK required corrective surgery due to complications from overseas procedures. Many individuals struggling with high costs and unclear guidance consider travelling abroad for cheaper alternatives. However, these procedures can come with serious risks without proper regulations and safeguards.
Kagan Seymenoglu said, “Without strict regulation, patients face serious risks, including infection, nerve damage, psychological distress, and life-threatening complications. Worryingly, 78% of Brits express concern about the dangers of cosmetic surgery, yet many remain unaware of the gaps in oversight that leave them vulnerable. This lack of safeguards puts patients at risk and adds strain on NHS resources.”
The proposed new registry would provide much-needed data on the scale of the medical tourism industry, helping policymakers understand the scope of the issue. It would also help protect patients, standardise care globally, and provide transparency for those considering surgery abroad.
Seymenoglu said, “Another key issue is the lack of specialist insurance. Travel insurance only covers accidents and emergencies, not elective medical procedures. Within a global framework, the registry could support the insurance industry in developing new policies that provide proper coverage for those seeking cosmetic surgery abroad. This would allow patients to access protection similar to domestic healthcare plans, reducing their financial and medical risks.”
The UK lags behind international standards as its current system relies on voluntary accreditation, with organisations such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) overseeing independent clinics. While only registered doctors can perform cosmetic surgery in England, loopholes still allow varying levels of practitioner oversight, meaning standards can differ significantly.
In South Korea, surgeons undergo rigorous certification. The US requires board certification, and facility accreditations are mandatory. In Australia, there are strict informed consent laws, ensuring patients fully understand risks before proceeding.
Seymenoglu continued, “The UK must adopt similar measures to improve patient safety and introduce international regulatory cooperation.
“The rapid growth of the cosmetic surgery industry, coupled with rising cases of botched procedures, makes regulatory reform essential. Policymakers must act to introduce clearer international standards that prioritise patient safety. Without intervention, the risks will only grow, placing more individuals at the mercy of inconsistent practices”.