A 38-year-old British man has tragically died in Istanbul, Turkey, just moments before undergoing his second hair transplant procedure.
The unnamed man reportedly died before the procedure could begin (Getty Images)
The man, who had reportedly traveled to the Dr. CINIK Hair Hospital in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, became unwell before the procedure even started, according to the clinic. Initially, some reports suggested he fell ill during the operation, but the hospital strongly denies this.
A Repeat Patient, A Tragic Turn
The man had previously undergone a successful hair transplant at the same clinic in July 2024, and was so satisfied with the results that he returned for a second session. However, during the “preparatory phase” of the procedure—before any surgical steps had begun—he suddenly became sick.
The surgery has surged in popularity (Getty Images)
The clinic claims that:
- All pre-surgery tests were completed (including blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray).
- He was cleared for surgery by an anesthesiologist.
- Medical staff provided immediate intervention when he fell ill.
Despite being rushed to a nearby university hospital and placed in intensive care, he sadly passed away later that day.
What the Clinic Says
Dr. CINIK Hair Hospital, which says it has performed over 70,000 procedures, released a statement expressing condolences to the family. The clinic emphasized that media reports suggesting he died mid-surgery are “incorrect” and that the incident happened before the operation began.
Related Posts
“All relevant medical documentation has been submitted to authorities,” the statement said. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and are cooperating fully with the investigation.”
The clinic has disputed the ‘inaccurate’ claims in the media (Google Maps)
An investigation is now underway in Turkey, with allegations of “reckless homicide” being looked into by judicial authorities.
What This Means for Medical Tourism
Turkey has become a global hotspot for hair transplants due to lower costs and highly marketed clinics. According to Healthline, the procedure is generally safe when done by qualified professionals, but risks do exist, especially when traveling abroad for surgery.
If you’re considering a hair transplant overseas, make sure to:
- Research the clinic thoroughly.
- Check for international accreditations.
- Understand potential medical risks.
For more information on choosing safe cosmetic procedures abroad, visit the NHS guide on cosmetic surgery overseas.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they are supporting the man’s family and are in contact with Turkish authorities.
Bottom Line: While hair transplants are popular and often successful, this incident is a reminder that medical tourism carries risks. Always do your research and prioritize safety over cost.
