The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned three Turkish clinics displaying ‘exploitative’ adverts promoting ‘trivialised’ yet permanent invasive surgery procedures.
The adverts were challenged for both providing potential UK customers with misleading information and offering promotional discounts on ‘combined operations’.
One paid-for Facebook ad for Erdem Vlinic was challenged by the ASA for promoting its cosmetic surgery by ‘exploiting insecurities, pressurising consumers to take more cosmetic interventions’, as well as omitting the need for consultations.
The ad, which included a profile image of a woman, stated “Don’t let your nose overshadow your face. Get the look you dream of with Nose Job treatment. Choose to be the greater beauty that you can be”.
Another ad from ClinicHaus Health promised “one of the most successful doctors in the world” and a “VIP transfer 5-star package Holiday”.
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The final clinic’s ad, AsproMed, promised its procedures would ‘unleash inner beauty’, alongside multiple emojis.
The ASA ruled the ad was misleading customers by suggesting that undergoing a gastroscopy, without any other changes, would lead to permanent weight loss.
In line with NHS guidance, gastric balloons are considered a temporary intervention and should not remain in place for more than six months.
Furthermore, they emphasize any bariatric surgery must be combined with permanent lifestyle changes to prevent future weight gain.
This includes adhering to a diet plan, engaging in regular exercise and attending routine follow-up appointments.
An ASA spokesperson commented: “We know that consumers are increasingly looking at going abroad for cosmetic surgery due to cost or ease of access and, while many people may be happy with the results, there are still inherent risks.
“That’s why it’s so important that ads for these services aren’t misleading or irresponsible, and why this is a high priority area for the ASA.
“Advertisers targeting people in the UK need to ensure that they’re following the Code, even if the service isn’t based here. They mustn’t trivialise the decision to get cosmetic surgery or put people under pressure to take up time limited offers.”
“They should also make clear the need for a pre-consultation, including where it will take place,” the spokesperson concluded.
The UK advertising watchdog’s crackdown on the cosmetic surgery providers’ adverts follow in the wake of an increasing number of UK citizens reporting the life changing, sometimes fatal, consequences of travelling abroad for “budget surgery”.
Earlier this year, Aimee Hunt took to This Morning to raise awareness of the lethal consequences of such procedures after her sister, Sophie Hunt, passed away in Turkey following a botched tummy tuck, and a family friend – also undergoing the procedure – was abandoned by doctors and ‘left to die’ in a hotel room.
