Pall Mall expresses our deep concerns about the rising number of British citizens dying after undergoing cosmetic surgery abroad. Since 2019, at least 28 Britons have tragically lost their lives following cosmetic surgeries abroad, with seven deaths occurring just this year. This stark reality demands urgent action.

We are calling on the new government to build on previous efforts and implement stricter regulations for the cosmetic surgery industry. Medical professionals have long raised alarms about the dangers of traveling abroad for cheaper procedures, which often lead to severe complications and inadequate aftercare.

We urge the government to consider the following actions:

• ⁠Tighten online advertising regulations for overseas providers. Only clinics that meet strict safety standards should be allowed to advertise in the UK, with all ads carrying clear warning labels about the risks.
• ⁠Launch a public awareness campaign to educate people about the dangers of overseas cosmetic surgery. The campaign should emphasise the importance of choosing GMC-registered surgeons, CQC-regulated facilities, and comprehensive aftercare. This would prevent unnecessary deaths and reduce the burden on the NHS.
• Create a national registry to track complications following surgeries performed abroad. This would provide critical data on high-risk procedures and clinics, allowing patients to make informed decisions and enabling the government to monitor trends and intervene in high-risk areas.

While cosmetic surgery can be beneficial when performed by GMC-registered professionals, it is crucial to protect Brits from life-threatening risks abroad.

We stand ready to collaborate with the government on these vital changes. Every day without action risks more lives. The time for stronger regulation is now.