Warning as woman dies after 'arm tuck' in Turkey

Cosmetic surgery abroad can be "not only dangerous but could place a significant burden on the NHS", the coroner said

A coroner has warned of the "dangers" of travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery after a woman died from a mystery illness following a procedure in Turkey.

Anne Towlson, 58, was found dead at home in Loughborough, Leicestershire, on 17 May with open wounds to her armpits and triceps having complained her arm was "killing her" days earlier.

She had undergone a pre-planned tummy tuck and liposuction, as well as agreeing to "last minute" arm tuck surgery at Green Park Hospital in Pendik, Istanbul, in April 2024, an inquest heard.

Isobel Thistlethwaite, assistant coroner for Rutland and North Leicestershire, published a prevention of future deaths report on Tuesday, after the inquest's conclusion.

The report said: "British citizens are travelling abroad for significant and serious surgical operations with seemingly little in the way of follow-up and no way to return easily to the operating hospital if they encounter complications once they are back in the UK.

"This is not only dangerous but could place a significant burden on the NHS."

The inquest heard Mrs Towlson died from a "mystery illness" after her wounds failed to heal properly.

The inquest in Loughborough heard Mrs Towlson was communicating with Turkish medics via WhatsApp

Immediately after her surgery, Mrs Towlson complained her "right arm was hurting" and her "compression garments were too tight".

Her right hand was said to have "swelled up like a balloon and was seeping", the inquest was told.

She stayed in hospital for three days before going to a hotel.

Mrs Towlson returned to the hospital twice where she was given antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, painkillers and a cream to take with her, the inquest was told.

She flew home on 3 May, nine days after the surgery.

Between 4 May and her death, her internet search history included "infected stitches symptoms", and "armpit yeast infection symptoms", the inquest heard.

Death 'inconclusive'

On 7 May, she sent a video of her arm to the hospital, and was told it would be shown to a doctor, but did not hear back.

On 11 May, she told her daughter her arm was "killing her".

Six days later, Mrs Towlson was found dead.

The report said police photographs showed "the tummy tuck wound healing nicely" but "open wounds to Mrs Towlson's armpits and triceps" with her right arm "weeping and swollen".

A post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death was inconclusive.

Her inquest was unable to secure any information from the hospital including what the surgery consisted of, Ms Thistlethwaite said.

"On the balance of probabilities, Mrs Towlson was not given enough time to properly consider this decision," the coroner added.

The report was sent to Green Park Hospital in Turkey, as well as the British Association of Aesthetics and Plastic Surgeons.