A TAUNTON dentist has warned against travelling abroad for cosmetic, aesthetic, and dental procedures, where "safety regulations and clinical standards may not always match those in the UK".

Dr. Tom MacDonagh, co-founder of Somerset-based aesthetics clinic Azthetics, on Castle Green in Taunton, has urged people to stick to "safe, local, and professional care" when considering aesthetic and dental treatments.

Dr MacDonagh, who also has practices in Weston-super-Mare and Bristol, said: "Only this week we have seen the tragic reports of a young mother-of-five who has become the first person to die from a Brazilian Bum Lift procedure in the UK.

"Alice Webb, 34, died on Monday just hours after undergoing the non-surgical procedure, which is believed to have been performed in the West Country.

"The team at Azthetics is committed to offering top-tier, doctor-led aesthetic treatments that meet the highest clinical and safety standards. All of our patients can trust they are receiving care from highly trained professionals using the latest technology in a regulated environment.

"While non-surgical treatments are very safe, coming from a medical background does help to put us in a position as practitioners to have the toolkit to confidently manage any complications that should arise."

The medical tourism industry is growing at an estimated rate of 15-25% annually, with nearly 350,000 UK residents travelling abroad for medical treatment in 2022, compared to approximately 248,000 in 2019.

He added: "While the allure of lower prices can be tempting, it can present significant danger for patients seeking cheaper alternatives for cosmetic procedures in countries where regulations and standards may not always match those in the UK."

This issue is now being spotlighted by the popular TV soap Coronation Street, which has incorporated the topic of travelling overseas for cosmetic procedures into its current storyline, showcasing the dangers of seeking cheaper alternatives for treatments in places like Turkey. 

However, even within the UK, Azthetics warns that not all cosmetic treatments are carried out by trained medical professionals, leading to additional risks for patients, particularly with reference to the management of treatment-related complications.

Dr Jamie Godsell, dentist at DentaQuest said: "Cosmetic dentistry is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about giving our patients confidence in their smiles, while managing long-term dental health. When patients seek any medical treatment abroad, they may be risking their health and safety.

"At DentaQuest, whether you need a routine check-up or a complete smile transformation, we provide the highest quality care in a safe, regulated environment."

In light of this latest tragedy, Azthetics and DentaQuest encourage anyone considering cosmetic Dentistry or Aesthetic procedures to carefully research their options and choose qualified, trusted professionals closer to home.