25 January 2024 , 22:19
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The family of Morgan Ribeiro, who died after complications following weight loss surgery in Turkey, are calling for tighter regulation in the industry.
Mum Erin Gibson, 44, wants social media adverts for operations to come with details about the risks involved including deaths and injuries. She is also calling for cosmetic insurance to become compulsory.
Erin said: “I would love for there to be a Morgan’s Law to come from this so it doesn’t happen to anybody else. Cosmetic tourism must stop.”
At least 25 Britons have died after medical tourism trips to Turkey since January 2019, the Foreign Office said. Morgan, 20, died this month, days after a gastric sleeve op in Istanbul. Her flight home had to make an emergency landing in Belgrade when she fell ill. Serbian doctors said her intestine was cut during the surgery in Turkey, which led to an infection.
The Mirror tracked down Dr Serkan Bayil, who performed the op. He denied botching it, saying she suffered an embolism.
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Morgan was bullied about her sizeErin and Richard Ribeiro, Morgan’s dad, also called for parental consent for under-25s to go abroad for surgery. Erin, from South London, said: “It needs to be made more difficult to research surgery in Turkey.”
Marc Pacifico, of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, said “unscrupulous” surgeons operate in Turkey. He said: “It’s much cheaper there but there’s a reason why.”
Morgan's mum Erin Gibson (Nick Edwards)He and Turkish counterparts drew up 10 recommendations for those seeking surgery there. Department of Health officials have discussed safety measures with Turkish authorities.
10-point guide for surgery in Turkey
1. Surgeon should be member of Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons – check online or email [email protected]
2. Surgeon should have Turkish board certification. You should be able to see their certificate on request.
3 It is desirable the surgeon belongs to the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
4 Surgeon should have been in practice in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery for at least five years.
5 Make sure you get an aftercare plan.
6 Know your surgeon’s name and how to contact them if there is a problem.
7 Ask how long your surgeon has been working with their clinic or company. At least three years is recommended.
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8 It is compulsory in Turkey to have a comprehensive consent form completed ahead of travel. If this does not happen it should raise concerns.
9 Double-check surgeon’s specialty. In Turkey, some practitioners claim to be plastic surgeons who are not. Others work outside their areas of training.
10 Your surgery should be performed in a fully recognised hospital.
Compiled by The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons with the Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons