Key Takeaways 

• ​​The UK government and TikTok launched a campaign warning people about the dangers of traveling overseas for cosmetic procedures. 
• The initiative features TikTok influencers, a checklist, and other safety measures to encourage informed decisions.
• New UK regulations tighten reins on who can perform high-risk operations and an age limit for lower-risk elective procedures.

A new UK government campaign, in collaboration with TikTok, is warning people to think twice before traveling abroad for cosmetic procedures. The initiative comes as more people turn to social media platforms like TikTok to research surgeries such as hair transplants, dental work, or cosmetic enhancements. While many of these procedures are marketed as affordable and accessible, health experts warn that sleek advertising often downplays the risks and long-term safety concerns associated with them.

In response, the UK government and TikTok have partnered with medical influencers, such as Midwife Marley and Doc Tally, to highlight the dangers of certain surgeries, while also helping people research safer options and access official advice online. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has also expanded its guidance for those considering medical trips abroad.

“Too many people are being left with life-altering injuries after going abroad for medical procedures, without access to proper advice or safeguards, often drawn in by deals too good to be true and promoted by influencers, some of whom have never been to the practice in question,” said Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, Karin Smyth in a press release. “By partnering with TikTok, we’re helping people make safer, more informed choices before they go under the knife, wherever that may be.”

As a part of the effort, medical professionals will now provide patients with the following checklist before considering undergoing a cosmetic or medical procedure abroad:

• Do thorough research.
• Check clinic policies, regulations, and surgeon credentials.
• Understand the full cost and aftercare.
• Ask the question of who will provide follow-up care if something goes wrong.

The campaign urges British people to look beyond slick and polished marketing and consider the long-term consequences of going under the knife in a foreign country. The campaign also seeks to handle higher-risk surgeries, like the popular Brazilian butt lift (BBL), which can now only be performed by healthcare professionals registered with the Care Quality Commission in an effort to crack down on sketchy practitioners in England. Some lower-risk treatments, such as fillers and Botox, will be subject to new licensing requirements, along with the introduction of a minimum age for elective cosmetic procedures.

“Our aim is to explain the risks and help British people understand the actions they can take to keep themselves safe when abroad,” said Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories.“We encourage everyone to do their research and fully understand the risks involved in getting overseas procedures.”

This initiative aims to benefit both patients and the National Health Service (NHS). By reducing medical tourism, the NHS can lower costs associated with complications requiring medical intervention. This will alleviate pressure on medical staff and redirect taxpayer funds away from corrective surgeries.The goal is to optimize the use of free public health services while also ensuring patient health and safety.