British Man Dies After Hair Transplant in Turkey as Police Investigate Clinic

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A 38-year-old British man has died in Turkey following a hair transplant procedure, prompting local authorities to launch a criminal investigation into the clinic involved. The man travelled to Istanbul for the operation, which took place on Monday at the Dr Cinik clinic in the Besiktas district, and became seriously unwell shortly after the five-hour procedure.

According to reports from Turkish news outlet OdaTV, the man was taken to hospital for emergency treatment but later died. His body was transferred to the Forensic Science Institute of Turkey before being repatriated to the United Kingdom. Istanbul police have opened an investigation, classifying the incident as a potential case of “reckless homicide.” It is understood that the medical team involved—including the operating surgeon, anaesthesiologist, and nursing staff—have already been interviewed as part of the inquiry.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed its involvement, with a spokesperson stating, “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with local authorities.”

Turkey has become a popular destination for what is often referred to as “medical tourism,” particularly for cosmetic procedures such as hair restoration. The Turkish Healthcare Travel Council estimates that over one million individuals travel to the country annually for such treatments, with hair transplants accounting for a significant portion of the demand. The country is thought to represent approximately 60 percent of the global hair transplant market, primarily due to lower costs and the promise of high-quality service.

However, recent cases have raised concerns about the risks associated with low-cost procedures abroad. In a separate incident, 26-year-old Luke Horsfield from Bradford reported severe complications following a £1,250 hair transplant at the Clinic Centre in Istanbul—roughly half the price of the same procedure in the United Kingdom. Horsfield, an IT technician, claimed the outcome left him with scarring, bald patches, and minimal regrowth after four months.

“I did everything they told me to do as aftercare once I had the operation,” he said, adding that communication with the clinic became difficult after the surgery despite prior promises of post-operative support. He also alleged that the medical staff had limited English and removed an excessive number of follicles, worsening his condition. Eventually, he was offered a £400 refund and a second procedure at a reduced rate.

As investigations continue, the incident has cast a spotlight on the growing but largely unregulated market for overseas cosmetic surgery. British authorities continue to urge caution when seeking medical treatment abroad, advising individuals to conduct thorough research and ensure proper accreditation of international clinics.