Ads promoting cosmetic surgery clinics in Turkey have been prohibited in the UK for their “irresponsible trivialisation” of the decision to undergo surgery abroad.
An advertisement for AsproMED, observed in May, featured the text: “Are you ready to unleash your inner beauty, dear friend? Look no further than AsproMED, your trusted partner in the realm of medical tourism! Let us guide you towards the path of radiant transformation!”
The ad depicted a slender woman holding a balloon, gesturing towards her stomach, alongside a smaller illustration of a gastric balloon in a stomach, with accompanying text stating: “4, 5 Stars Hotel + Travel to Istanbul + Professional Team.” Another image showcased the Hagia Sophia skyline with several boats in the foreground.
The second advertisement, from ClinicHaus Health, showcased the caption “Rhinoplasty surgery, one of the most successful doctors in the world… Fill out the form now for the big summer campaign VIP transfer 5-star package Holiday in the most beautiful city in the world.”
A third ad for Erdem Clinic proclaimed: “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,” while offering up to 30% discounts on combined operations.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) scrutinized the ads, all disseminated via Facebook and viewed in May, for their irresponsible claims and omission of pertinent information regarding the necessity of medical pre-consultations.
Neither AsproMed nor Erdem Clinic responded to the ASA’s inquiries.
ClinicHaus Health stated it possessed legal certification and authorization from the Turkish government and, being part of the medical tourism industry, occasionally provided summer deals.
Meta declined to comment on the ads.
An ASA spokesperson emphasized the importance of ensuring that advertisements for such services are not misleading or irresponsible. They underscored the necessity of adhering to advertising standards, regardless of the service’s location, and cautioned against trivializing the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery or pressuring individuals with time-limited offers. Additionally, they stressed the importance of clearly communicating the need for a pre-consultation, including its location.
The ASA reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation, with ongoing investigations and forthcoming regulatory actions planned.
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