Woman nearly dies after botched Brazilian butt lift in Turkey

In January 2023, Demi Agoglia, a 26-year-old mother from Salford, Greater Manchester, underwent a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) at Comfort Zone Surgery in Turkey. Just three days post-operation, she died due to inadequate aftercare and neglect following the procedure. Dr. Usha Chandran conducted the post-mortem examination and highlighted concerns over the lack of proper consent and care related to the surgery. The coroner's report indicated serious deficiencies in pre-operative guidance, post-operative care, and overall medical standards at the clinic. During her inquest, the coroner expressed deep disturbance at the circumstances surrounding Agoglia's death and noted that there seemed to be systemic issues linked to cosmetic procedures performed in low-standard clinics abroad, particularly those marketed heavily to young women. The case sparked dialogues regarding the booming demand for cosmetic surgeries, with many British individuals seeking such procedures overseas due to perceived cost savings and accessibility. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) had previously banned BBLs in the UK because of safety concerns, but the lure of lower prices in countries like Turkey has continued to attract patients, despite potential risks. Witnesses, including Agoglia’s sister, described the emotional turmoil and loss following her tragic death, criticizing the normalization of risky procedures marketed to boost self-esteem. The coroner’s findings and testimonies from Agoglia's family have renewed calls for stricter regulations on cosmetic surgery in Turkey, signaling a pressing need for reform to protect patients. Activists and medical professionals are advocating for measures such as requiring surgeries to be conducted only by GMC-regulated surgeons and ensuring that practitioners for non-surgical services carry malpractice insurance. As more cases of botched surgeries emerge, the debate about ethical practices in overseas cosmetic surgery is worsening, underscoring a significant public health concern.