Think Twice Before Surgery Abroad: Government and TikTok Launch Safety Campaign
The UK government has teamed up with TikTok influencers to launch a new campaign warning of the risks of travelling overseas for cosmetic and medical procedures. The initiative comes in response to the growing number of people booking treatments abroad – from hair transplants to dental work – often lured in by low prices and slick online marketing.
Why the Campaign Matters
While many seek these procedures overseas because they’re cheaper or more readily available, the government warns that the lowest price can come at the highest cost. Too often, patients return with serious complications, leaving the NHS to pick up the bill for corrective care.
This new partnership aims to:
Raise awareness of the risks
Provide clear, trustworthy advice to patients
Reduce pressure and costs on the NHS caused by fixing botched treatments
Social Media’s Role in Surgery Decisions
More people are now using platforms like TikTok to research procedures abroad. However, the information shared isn’t always accurate or safe. To tackle this, the government and TikTok are working with medical influencers such as Midwife Marley and Doc Tally. These creators will share reliable guidance to help people make informed decisions.
The advice will cover vital steps, including:
Thoroughly researching the procedure
Checking the clinic’s regulation and the surgeon’s credentials
Knowing the full cost and understanding aftercare requirements
Asking the key question: if it goes wrong, who will fix it?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has also updated its online travel advice, offering more detailed guidance for those considering treatments abroad.
Government’s Wider Plan for Patient Safety
Health Minister Karin Smyth highlighted that too many people are suffering life-altering injuries abroad due to lack of proper advice. She stressed the need for safeguards to protect patients and reduce the burden on the NHS.
This campaign is part of the government’s wider plan to improve the safety of cosmetic treatments in the UK and abroad. Measures include:
Cracking down on unqualified practitioners in England
Ensuring the highest-risk procedures (such as non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts) are only carried out by qualified, CQC-registered professionals
Developing a licensing scheme for lower-risk treatments like Botox and fillers
Introducing minimum age restrictions for cosmetic procedures
Minister Stephen Doughty added:
“If you choose to travel abroad for medical treatment, it is vital you do your research and are fully aware of the risks involved. Informed choices today can help avoid serious complications tomorrow.”
TikTok’s Role in Safer Choices
TikTok’s Director of Public Policy, Ali Law, confirmed the platform’s commitment to promoting credible content through its Clinician Creator Council, which includes NHS practitioners. This ensures users searching for medical or cosmetic topics receive trusted advice rather than misleading marketing.
Final Word
The government’s message is clear: cosmetic surgery abroad may look appealing, but the risks are real. Before committing, patients should consider safety, aftercare, insurance, and clinical standards—not just the price tag.
As the campaign highlights, informed choices today can prevent dangerous and costly consequences tomorrow.